About Alma College
Alma College builds tight bonds among its 1,208 students in small-town Michigan. This Presbyterian liberal arts college has earned a reputation for nurturing future teachers and business leaders through personalized attention. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name, while the Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for internships or study abroad.
Students pay an average net price of $24,663 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $54,742 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The 98.1% employment rate shows the college's strong career preparation, even if earnings start modestly at $37,011 in the first year.
Athletics define much of campus life at this NCAA Division III school. With 727 total athletes across 23 varsity sports, nearly two-thirds of students compete for the Scots. The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association provides competitive rivalries that energize the campus. About 88% of students come from Michigan, creating a homegrown feel where 76% return for sophomore year.
Students pay an average net price of $24,663 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $54,742 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The 98.1% employment rate shows the college's strong career preparation, even if earnings start modestly at $37,011 in the first year.
Athletics define much of campus life at this NCAA Division III school. With 727 total athletes across 23 varsity sports, nearly two-thirds of students compete for the Scots. The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association provides competitive rivalries that energize the campus. About 88% of students come from Michigan, creating a homegrown feel where 76% return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Alma College operates as a traditional liberal arts institution where students explore broad disciplines before focusing on their major. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and provide personalized mentorship. The college particularly excels in education and business programs, preparing many future teachers for Michigan schools. With a 63% four-year graduation rate, students typically complete degrees on time despite the rigorous liberal arts curriculum. The unique 4-1-4 calendar system includes a January term where students pursue internships, study abroad, or dive deep into specialized topics. Academic support runs strong here, with small seminar-style classes replacing large lectures found at bigger universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 67.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,742
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,596 |
Campus Life
Alma College sits in a small Michigan town where 88% of students come from in-state. The campus houses nearly all students, creating a tight-knit residential community where your 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Winter coats are essential as Michigan snow blankets the campus from November through March.
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships or unique courses. With 727 athletes competing across 23 Division III sports, the Scots have strong school spirit despite offering no athletic scholarships. Weekend life revolves around campus events, outdoor activities when weather permits, and trips to nearby towns. The 76% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this community of 1,208. Greek life and student organizations provide social outlets in a town where campus is the center of activity. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive and collaborative rather than competitive, fitting the Presbyterian heritage of service and community engagement.
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships or unique courses. With 727 athletes competing across 23 Division III sports, the Scots have strong school spirit despite offering no athletic scholarships. Weekend life revolves around campus events, outdoor activities when weather permits, and trips to nearby towns. The 76% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this community of 1,208. Greek life and student organizations provide social outlets in a town where campus is the center of activity. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive and collaborative rather than competitive, fitting the Presbyterian heritage of service and community engagement.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,314 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–28°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- -738.2"
Student Demographics
Nearly 9 out of 10 students come from Michigan, showing Alma's deep roots in the state's educational landscape. The student body leans slightly female, reflecting strong interest in the college's education and social work programs that traditionally attract more women. About 1 in 5 students receives Pell Grants, indicating the Presbyterian college serves middle-class families seeking affordable liberal arts education. The demographics mirror rural Michigan communities, with students drawn to Alma's reputation for personal attention and career preparation in teaching, business, and healthcare fields.
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 80.0%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 3.5%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 88.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.9%
Location
Alma College sits in the small town of Alma, Michigan, about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids and 120 miles northwest of Detroit. The campus occupies a classic Midwestern college town setting in central Michigan's agricultural region. With 88.41% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Michigan's landscape of rolling farmland and small communities. The town revolves around the college, creating a tight-knit atmosphere that matches the school's 1,208-student enrollment. Alma's remote location fosters the close community bonds that define campus life. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows students to explore internships in larger Michigan cities during the January term. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Alma College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Alma, Michigan 48801-1599
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,742
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,066
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Alma College?
Alma College accepts 64.65% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts school. The college draws heavily from Michigan, with 88.41% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Alma College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Alma College is $24,663, lower than the sticker price of $47,430. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $18,726 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Alma College?
Alma College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,208 total students. This small Presbyterian liberal arts college is known for its close-knit community and personalized attention.
What do Alma College graduates earn after graduation?
Alma College alumni earn a median of $54,742 ten years after graduation. The college has a strong 98.1% employment rate, reflecting its reputation for preparing students for careers in education and business.
Is Alma College a residential campus?
Alma College has housing capacity for 1,314 students, which exceeds its total enrollment of 1,208. The campus fosters a tight-knit community atmosphere in the small town of Alma, Michigan.
Does Alma College offer athletic scholarships?
Alma College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. However, 727 students participate in 23 varsity sports as the Scots, competing in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
