Alma College vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

West Liberty University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Alma College vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University than Alma College ($13,655 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Liberty University are 10.2% lower than at Alma College ($12,728 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 457.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $40,659 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 184.1% higher at Alma College than at West Liberty University (about $32,110 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at West Liberty University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 474.2% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($41,618 vs. $7,248).

Alma College vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Alma College (3.5).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Alma College vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and West Liberty 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 West Liberty University's (46%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $2,383 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($24,617 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 49%)

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.