At $24,663/yr net price, Alma College graduates earn $54,742/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,742/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,663 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,742/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,742/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,726/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,279/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,322/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,627/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,994/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $29,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $26,423 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,596 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
63.7% of students at Alma College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Alma College delivers below-average financial returns that struggle to justify its $24,663 annual cost. With median earnings of $54,742 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $27,000, your financial prospects depend heavily on your major choice.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $38,289 annually, though this still falls short of what you'd expect from a private college investment. Education majors earn similar amounts at $37,748, making these the only programs where the math works reasonably well. The situation deteriorates quickly for other popular majors. English graduates earn just $29,685 annually while carrying the same debt burden, creating a challenging financial equation. Psychology and Biology majors face even steeper uphill climbs with starting earnings below $30,000.
The 63.7% graduation rate creates additional financial risk since you'll carry debt whether you finish or not. Your chances of completing your degree here are lower than at most private colleges, making the investment riskier than the numbers alone suggest.
This school makes financial sense primarily for students pursuing business or education who can secure substantial merit aid to bring costs down significantly. The relatively low percentage receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support. If you're considering majors outside business or education, or if you're paying close to full price, your money will likely generate better returns elsewhere. The regional Michigan job market doesn't provide enough salary premiums to offset the weak earnings-to-debt ratios in most programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alma College worth the money?
Alma College graduates earn $54,742 ten years after graduation with median debt of $27,000, making it a moderate financial investment. The return depends heavily on your major, with business programs showing better outcomes than biology or psychology.
What are the best paying majors at Alma College?
Business Administration graduates from Alma College earn around $38,289 starting out, while Education majors make $37,748. Biology and Psychology majors face tougher financial prospects with starting salaries in the $25,000-$28,000 range.
How much debt do Alma College students graduate with?
Alma College graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000. With a net price of $24,663 per year, most students need loans to cover the full cost of attendance.
Does Alma College have good job placement after graduation?
Only 64% of Alma College students graduate within six years, which raises concerns about completion rates. The 10-year earnings of $54,742 are reasonable but not exceptional for a private college investment.