Alma College
Alma College: Personalized learning, real-world impact.
📍 Alma, United States 🇺🇸
Quick Facts about Alma College
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 1,273
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $45,346 – $51,254/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Intakes: August, January, April
About Alma College
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.
Information for International Students at Alma College
Alma College in Alma, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$1237/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Alma College
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Alma College:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 79
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- GPA minimum: 2.75
- Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
- Application deadline: Rolling, encouraged by July 1 (fall semester) and November 1 (winter semester)
Programs at Alma College (17 programs)
Alma College offers 17 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (17)
- Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, from molecular to ecosystem levels. Students engage in laboratory work, field research, and scientific inquiry.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Scientist, Healthcare Professional - Chemistry (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This program covers fundamental chemical principles, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Students gain hands-on experience through extensive lab work.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Chemist, Lab Technician, Pharmaceutical Scientist - English (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
Students engage with literature, critical theory, and various forms of writing. The program enhances analytical skills, creative expression, and effective communication.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Educator, Journalist - Art and Design (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
Students explore various artistic mediums and design principles, fostering creativity and critical thinking. The curriculum includes studio art, art history, and digital design.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Artist, Art Educator - Nursing (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse, focusing on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Clinical experience is a core component.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner (with further education) - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of computation and practical application of programming. Students learn software development, algorithms, and data structures.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Developer - History (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
Students explore past events, societies, and cultures, developing critical thinking and research skills. The program covers diverse historical periods and geographical regions.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator - Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
Students examine social structures, interactions, and cultural phenomena. The program develops skills in sociological theory, research methods, and social justice.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Social Researcher, Community Organizer, Urban Planner - Education (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
This program prepares aspiring educators with pedagogical theories, classroom management techniques, and subject-specific knowledge to teach at various levels.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: teacher, educational administrator, curriculum designer, school counselor - Religious Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
This program explores diverse religious traditions, beliefs, and practices, fostering critical understanding of their historical, cultural, and social impact.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: religious educator, non-profit worker, counselor, writer - Environmental Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This interdisciplinary program examines environmental issues from scientific, social, and economic perspectives. Students learn about sustainability, conservation, and policy.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Conservationist, Policy Analyst - Mathematics (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This program provides a strong foundation in mathematical theory and problem-solving. Students study calculus, algebra, statistics, and discrete mathematics.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Analyst, Actuary - Physics (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
This program investigates the fundamental laws of the universe, from classical mechanics to quantum physics. Students gain strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
This program explores human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry. Students learn about cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further education), Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist - Exercise Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
Students study the science of human movement, fitness, and health, preparing them for careers in sports medicine, physical therapy, and wellness.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: exercise physiologist, athletic trainer, physical therapist assistant, strength and conditioning coach - Music (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
Students develop musical skills through performance, theory, history, and composition. The program offers opportunities for ensemble participation and individual instruction.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer - Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $45,000/yr
Students analyze political systems, institutions, and behaviors, both domestically and internationally. The program fosters critical thinking about governance and public policy.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Lobbyist, Campaign Manager, Public Servant
Scholarships & Tuition at Alma College
Annual tuition for international students: $45,346 – $51,254/year
✅ Alma College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Campus & Facilities at Alma College
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 18
- Housing cost: ~$1237/month
Key Highlights
- Personalized liberal arts education
- Strong experiential learning focus
- Generous international student aid
- Unique 4-4-1 academic calendar
- Supportive small-town community
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- American Chemical Society
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
- Teacher Education Accreditation Council
Notable Alumni
- George Allen
- Bob Devaney
- Daniel Henney
- Frank Knox
- Tom Crean
Frequently Asked Questions about Alma College
What is Alma College?
Alma College is a private non-profit university located in Alma, United States. It has approximately 1,273 students.
How much does it cost to study at Alma College?
Tuition fees at Alma College for international students range from $45,346 – $51,254/year. Student housing costs approximately $1237/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Alma College?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 2.75. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: Rolling, encouraged by July 1 (fall semester) and November 1 (winter semester).
What language are courses taught in at Alma College?
Courses at Alma College are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does Alma College offer?
Alma College offers 17 programs: 17 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
Does Alma College offer scholarships?
Yes, Alma College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Alma College provide visa support?
Yes, Alma College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
Apply to Alma College with Abroadly
Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Alma College. Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.