Alma College vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lake Superior State University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (1,567 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

Alma College vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University than Alma College ($12,339 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 19.2% lower than at Alma College ($11,459 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 232.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $34,662 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 232.8% higher at Alma College than at Lake Superior State University (about $34,662 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 184.4% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($41,618 vs. $14,632).

Alma College vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alma College or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University and Alma College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Alma College vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 57%)

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.