Alma College vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Alma College vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than Alma College ($17,198 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 18.5% lower than at Alma College ($11,550 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 227.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $34,412 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130% higher at Alma College than at Grand Valley State University (about $28,004 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 272% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($41,618 vs. $11,188).

Alma College vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsGrand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsGrand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Alma College (3.5).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Alma College vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 62%)

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.