The College
Alma College is a selective, residential private liberal arts college that highlights personalized education, social responsibility and extraordinary achievements. Devoted exclusively to the teaching and education of undergraduate students, the College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
With an enrollment of 1,417 students (42 percent men and 58 percent women), the College employs a full-time teaching faculty of 87, of which 81 percent hold the Ph.D. or other terminal degree. The student-teacher ratio is 13:1, and no classes are taught by graduate students.
Alma College was founded in 1886 by Michigan Presbyterians. While still maintaining a close relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the College offers an environment that welcomes students of all religious backgrounds.
The College’s attractive 128-acre campus is located in the city of Alma (population approximately 9,000), approximately one hour north of Lansing in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
National Recognition
Alma College is among the 10 percent of all colleges and universities in the nation to hold membership in The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization.
Colleges of Distinction, a national college guide for students, parents and counselors, selected Alma College to be included in its list of 200 colleges and universities as “the best places to learn, grow and succeed.” The Colleges of Distinction publication recognizes institutions for their commitment to engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.
Alma College ranks second in the nation in the percentage of students that participates in alternative break service trips, according to Break Away, the national organization that supports the development of alternative break experiences that inspire lifelong active citizenship. Last year, Alma students provided flood relief, built affordable homes, planned activities for terminally ill children, constructed wheelchair ramps, worked with immigrants, and assisted in after-school programs in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Texas.
For four straight years, the Corporation for National and Community Service has admitted Alma College to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for engaging students, faculty and staff in meaningful service. More than 86 percent of Alma’s 2010 graduating class participated in academic service learning during their time at Alma College.
Exceptional Scholars
Thirty-two Alma College students have won prestigious national fellowships, scholarships and awards since 2003, including 20 Fulbright scholarships. Alma’s Nationally Competitive Scholarship Committee identifies and nurtures exceptional candidates for postgraduate awards.
Alma College students are the pacesetters at the national Model United Nations competition in New York City. Alma has received “outstanding delegation“ awards in each of the last 15 years (1997-2011)—the longest active winning streak of any college or university. Alma’s 28 “outstanding delegation” awards are the most of any school in the 88-year history of the national conference.
Academic Program
Alma offers four degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Fine Arts. All require a liberal arts foundation.
Academic Calendar
Alma utilizes a 4-4-1 academic calendar with 14-week terms in the fall and winter and a four-week term in May. The intensive Spring Term provides an opportunity for innovative course patterns, travel classes, research and internships during an ideal season.
Majors
Interdisciplinary majors may be designed in fields such as environmental policy, gerontology and public health. Pre-professional programs prepare students for further study and careers in dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, the ministry and occupational therapy. Academic minors are available in American studies, art history, Christian education, cognitive science, gerontology, public health and women’s and gender studies.
Athletics
Thirty-four percent of Alma students participate in intercollegiate athletics, joining the winning NCAA Division III tradition of the Alma Scots. Men: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, wrestling. Women: basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball.
Performing Arts
More than a third of all Alma students take part in at least one performance each year. The College offers majors in theatre, dance and music, but students of all majors may join in productions. The Heritage Center for the Performing Arts is the region’s premier performing arts facility. It houses the Theatre and Dance Department and serves as the performance venue for the College’s eight music ensembles. It features a 500-seat concert hall for large performances, an intimate 190-seat theatre, and a dance studio.
