Alma, MI · Private University
Is Alma College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,742
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$47,430
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$47,430
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$189,720
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.15x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
63.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$24,663
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Alma College graduates earn $9,742 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Alma College ranked by graduate earnings
17 graduates
16 graduates
24 graduates
23 graduates
16 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Alma College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Alma College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $78,690) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $40,063) is $38,627/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $78,690 | 1.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $58,303 | 1.2x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,424 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,720 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $40,063 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Alma College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $54,742 10 years after starting, $9,742 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
Ready to apply to Alma College?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.