Alma College vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Alma College is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (1,197 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alma College vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Rochester 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 Rochester University than Alma College ($21,611 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 26.1% lower than at Alma College ($10,486 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 69.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $20,356 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.7% higher at Alma College than at Rochester University (about $20,356 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alma College as at Rochester University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 111.5% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($41,618 vs. $19,674).

Alma College vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

Alma College vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Rochester 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 Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $2,597 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($24,403 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 45%)

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.