Edward Waters University vs. Alma College

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL with Alma College in Alma, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alma College is larger than Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (1,197 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Edward Waters University vs. Alma College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters University or Alma College? 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 Edward Waters University than Alma College ($12,029 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Edward Waters University are 39.6% lower than at Alma College ($8,571 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 202.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Edward Waters University (about $33,186 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 202.8% higher at Alma College than at Edward Waters University (about $33,186 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Edward Waters University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 185.3% larger than aid received by Edward Waters University students ($41,618 vs. $14,588).

Edward Waters University vs. Alma College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters University or Alma College? 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 Alma College and Edward Waters University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; Alma College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.86 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Edward Waters University (2.64).
• Edward Waters University has a higher acceptance rate (84.9%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3% at Edward Waters University vs. 9.6% at Alma College.

Edward Waters University vs. Alma College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters University and Alma College? 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 Edward Waters University's (18%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 14%)

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.