Alma College vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Claflin University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alma College vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Claflin 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 Claflin University than Alma College ($17,272 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 33.1% lower than at Alma College ($9,480 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 171% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $31,270 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 171% higher at Alma College than at Claflin University (about $31,270 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Claflin University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 150.8% larger than aid received by Claflin University students ($41,618 vs. $16,596).

Alma College vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Claflin University (3.28).
• Claflin University has a higher acceptance rate (64.9%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

Alma College vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Claflin 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 Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $17,600 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alma College graduates have a $5,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($27,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Alma College graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($279 vs. $332).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 25%)

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.