Allen College vs. Alma College

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Alma College in Alma, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alma College is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (1,197 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Alma College is in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Alma College 14:1.

Allen College vs. Alma College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Alma College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 37.9% lower than at Alma College ($8,800 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 153.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen College (about $30,036 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.9% higher at Alma College than at Allen College (about $30,036 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Allen College (100% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Alma College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Alma College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Alma College and Allen College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Alma College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Alma College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Alma College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alma College's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Allen College's (50%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $800 more per year than Alma College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($16,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($173 vs. $279).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alma College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 77%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.