Alma College vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Benedict College 13:1.

Alma College vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Benedict College than Alma College ($18,665 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 49.6% lower than at Alma College ($7,146 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 184.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $32,112 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 184.1% higher at Alma College than at Benedict College (about $32,112 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Benedict College (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 212.1% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($41,618 vs. $13,335).

Alma College vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alma College or Benedict 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 Benedict College and Alma College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 8% at Benedict College.

Alma College vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Benedict 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 Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $23,300 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alma College graduates have a $15,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($27,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Alma College graduates have an estimated $164 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($279 vs. $443).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 13%)

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.