Rockford University vs. Alma College

Comparable Facts

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

Rockford University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Alma College is in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Alma College 14:1.

Rockford University vs. Alma College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Alma College than Rockford University ($22,094 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 19.5% lower than at Alma College ($11,420 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 31.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rockford University (about $11,772 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.2% higher at Alma College than at Rockford University (about $11,772 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 62.1% larger than aid received by Rockford University students ($41,618 vs. $25,671).

Rockford University vs. Alma College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford 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 Rockford University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Alma College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 9.6% at Alma College.

Rockford University vs. Alma College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 60%)

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.