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 gives you a mixed financial return. The median graduate earns about $54,700 ten years out, which sits comfortably above the debt load you take on to get there. With a 63.7% graduation rate, most of you finish, and that matters because the earnings payoff only comes if you leave with a degree.
The program-level picture is weaker than the overall median suggests. Business Administration leads the tracked majors near $38,000 in early earnings, and Teacher Education follows close behind at roughly $37,700. But teaching graduates carry $29,000 in debt against those lower paychecks, so the math is tighter there. English, Psychology, and Biology all land under $30,000 in early earnings while carrying debt in the mid-$20,000s. Biology at about $25,600 with $27,000 owed is the roughest combination on this list, especially since many biology paths only pay off after graduate school you'd fund separately.
The main risk here is the gap between what a major costs and what it returns early. If you major in Business at Alma, the numbers work. If you pick a liberal-arts track expecting the median earnings figure, your early paycheck likely won't match it, and you'll still owe the same debt.
The net price is steep across every income band. Even coming from a family earning under $30,000, you pay around $18,700 a year. Above $110,000, you're near $27,000 annually. Alma fits you if you're committed to Business or Teacher Education and can finish in four years. If you're headed into English, Psychology, or Biology without a clear plan for graduate school or a specific job, the debt-to-earnings gap should make you compare cheaper public options first.
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.