Alma College

Alma College is a private liberal arts college located in Alma, Michigan, United States. Established in 1886, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and offers a personalized education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. The college aims to foster a supportive community where students can achieve academic, personal, and professional excellence.

Academics

Alma College offers over 45 undergraduate academic programs and two graduate programs, leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Music, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and Master of Arts in Special Education degrees. The college operates on a 4-4-1 academic calendar, which includes two 14-week terms and a four-week "Spring Term" in May, often used for travel, intensive classes, research, or internships. Alma College emphasizes a liberal arts education with a focus on personalized attention and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

International Students

Alma College provides comprehensive support for international students, including assistance with the application process, visa acquisition, and career advancement through CPT/OPT. English proficiency is required, with various ways to satisfy this, including submitting scores from TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, MET, Duolingo English Test, or iTEP Academic. The college offers generous international merit scholarships and need-based aid, with decisions made at the time of admission. International students are also required to attend a specific International Orientation in addition to the general new student orientation.

Campus & Location

Alma College is situated in Alma, Michigan, a small town with fewer than 10,000 residents, located about an hour north of Lansing. The campus spans 128 acres with 27 major buildings and a 200-acre ecological tract. The campus features a red brick architectural style centered around McIntyre Mall and includes the picturesque Thomas Andison Chapel. Alma is known for its Scottish heritage, hosting an annual Highland Festival, and the campus offers Highland Arts programs.

Career Outcomes

Alma College's Career and Personal Development (CPD) office empowers students to explore career pathways, gain hands-on experience, and launch successful careers or pursue graduate studies. The college boasts a 91% placement rate for graduates, who either find employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduation. Alma College guarantees students an experiential learning opportunity, such as an internship or research, and provides a minimum $2,500 stipend to help cover associated costs. Graduates have gone on to work at companies like Ford, Pfizer, and the United Nations, and have pursued graduate degrees at institutions such as Harvard and the University of Michigan.