Alma College vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Alma College vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Alma College ($11,483 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 22.3% lower than at Alma College ($11,016 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 184% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $32,102 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 184% higher at Alma College than at Virginia Union University (about $32,102 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Virginia Union University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 137.5% larger than aid received by Virginia Union University students ($41,618 vs. $17,524).

Alma College vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.79 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Alma College vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alma College graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($27,000 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Alma College graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($279 vs. $348).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 19%)

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.