Alma College vs. Heritage University

Comparable Facts

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

Alma College is larger than Heritage University based on total student enrollment (1,197 students vs. 937 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Heritage University is in Toppenish, WA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Heritage University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Heritage University 9:1.

Alma College vs. Heritage University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Heritage 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 Heritage University than Alma College ($15,563 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alma College are 20.6% lower than at Heritage University ($14,180 vs. $17,868).
• Alma College is 136.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Heritage University (about $28,624 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $20,928.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 136.8% higher at Alma College than at Heritage University (about $28,624 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $20,928.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Heritage University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 166.1% larger than aid received by Heritage University students ($41,618 vs. $15,642).

Alma College vs. Heritage University Admissions comparison

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

• Heritage University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Heritage University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Heritage University (3.02).

Alma College vs. Heritage University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Heritage 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 Heritage University's (12%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Heritage University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $34,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Heritage University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Heritage University 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 Heritage University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 40%)

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.