Alma College

Alma runs on a distinctive 4-4-1 calendar: two 14-week semesters plus an intensive May Term for study abroad, internships, or deep dives into niche topics. The most popular majors reflect a blend of pre-professional and liberal arts focus:

• Business Administration (most awarded degree)
• Psychology
• Health/Exercise Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry

Professors are known to expect rigorous work—66% of students report high academic demands. The college emphasizes undergraduate research, with STEM students often presenting at national conferences.

With just 1,159 undergraduates (52.5% women, 47.5% men), Alma fosters a highly engaged community. Over 80% of students live on campus, bonding over traditions like the annual Highland Festival and Scottish heritage events (a nod to the college's namesake). Greek life is present but not dominant, with a mix of sororities, fraternities, and 50+ clubs ranging from choir to esports. The Instagram feed showcases snowy campus sledding, research symposiums, and a palpable school spirit at NCAA DIII Scots games.

Alma delivers strong ROI for a small liberal arts college:

• 63% 4-year graduation rate (above average for similar institutions)
• $45,720 median salary at 6 years post-graduation
• $54,742 median salary at 10 years (notably higher for nursing grads)

The Wall Street Journal ranked Alma among top colleges for salary impact, calculating that an Alma degree adds $29,000 in lifetime earnings versus peers. About 70% of alumni secure jobs or grad school placements within a year.

At $68,884 total sticker price, Alma is pricey but generous with aid:

• 92% of students receive financial assistance
• Average aid package: $44,012
• Merit scholarships range from $28,000–$36,000/year

After aid, the average net price drops to $22,094. The college emphasizes transparent pricing, offering a detailed Net Price Calculator to estimate costs based on family income.

Alma College is a hidden gem for students who want big opportunities at a small school. Its 4-4-1 calendar allows for ambitious May Term projects—think studying theater in London or conducting ecology fieldwork in Michigan forests. The Scottish heritage adds quirky charm (kilt-wearing at graduation isn’t uncommon), while the career outcomes defy liberal arts stereotypes, especially in health sciences and business. For those seeking a tight community with professors who know their names—and a degree that pays off—Alma delivers.