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Alma College vs Spring Arbor University

Alma College is a private college in Alma, MI. Spring Arbor University is a private university in Spring Arbor, MI. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants and Alma College about 57%, making Spring Arbor University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,353 a year at Spring Arbor University after aid, and about $20,694 at Alma College. About 63% of students graduate at Alma College, compared with 61% at Spring Arbor University. Ten years after enrolling, Alma College alumni earn a median of about $54,742, against $51,732 for Spring Arbor University.

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Alma College

Alma, MI · Private

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Alma, MI
Spring Arbor, MI
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,148
1,010
Acceptance rate
57%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1230
1010–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
17–25
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,694
$19,353
Full cost / yr
$63,650
$44,703
In-state tuition
$49,552
$34,014
Out-of-state tuition
$49,552
$34,014
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,162
$14,530
$30k - $48k
$18,009
$15,697
$48k - $75k
$18,076
$16,197
$75k - $110k
$18,699
$19,358
Over $110k
$23,618
$21,370
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
61%
Freshman retention
85%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,720
$45,592
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,742
$51,732
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,375
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
29%
First-generation students
24%
35%
International students
6%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Alma College or Spring Arbor University harder to get into?
Spring Arbor University is harder to get into. It admits about 52% of applicants, compared with 57% at Alma College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Alma College or Spring Arbor University?
Spring Arbor University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,353 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,694 at Alma College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Alma College and Spring Arbor University?
Before aid, Spring Arbor University costs about $44,703 a year and Alma College about $63,650. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Alma College or Spring Arbor University?
Spring Arbor University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,530 there, against about $17,162 at Alma College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Alma College or Spring Arbor University?
Alma College is the larger of the two, with about 1,148 undergraduates against 1,010 at Spring Arbor University.
Does Alma College or Spring Arbor University have a better graduation rate?
Alma College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 61% at Spring Arbor University.
Do graduates of Alma College or Spring Arbor University earn more?
Alma College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,742 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,732 for Spring Arbor University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Alma College and Spring Arbor University require SAT or ACT scores?
Alma College requires SAT or ACT scores. Spring Arbor University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Alma College and Spring Arbor University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1230 at Alma College and 1010–1240 at Spring Arbor University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school