Alma College vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

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

Alma College is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,197 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alma College vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Shaw 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 Shaw University than Alma College ($16,445 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 35% lower than at Alma College ($9,210 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 182.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $32,014 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 182.5% higher at Alma College than at Shaw University (about $32,014 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 188.7% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($41,618 vs. $14,417).

Alma College vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.9 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Alma College vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Shaw 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 Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $19,300 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alma College graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($27,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Alma College graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($279 vs. $392).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 15%)

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.