Alma College vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alma College is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (1,197 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Alma College vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Bluefield University? 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 Alma College than Bluefield University ($22,094 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 33.1% lower than at Alma College ($9,480 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 85.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $22,782 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.1% higher at Alma College than at Bluefield University (about $22,782 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 104.6% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($41,618 vs. $20,341).

Alma College vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alma College or Bluefield University? 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 Bluefield University and Alma College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Bluefield University has a higher acceptance rate (59.3%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Alma College vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Bluefield University? 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 Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Bluefield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $6,166 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($20,834 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 51%)

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.