At Alma College, we are redefining excellence. We recognize the unique experiences Alma College students pursue to reach their full potential. In this special place, students gain the knowledge and skills of the liberal arts that don’t become obsolete. It’s a place where students realize they can accomplish things they never dreamed possible; a place where students develop lifelong connections with faculty and classmates; a place that sparks an enthusiasm for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Alma is a place where students learn how to change the world.
The examples are endless and can only be fully illustrated by interacting with our campus community. Here, though, are just a few of the distinctive highlights of the Alma College Experience.
Responsible Leadership
Students learn important leadership principles for the 21st century from nationally recognized speakers like former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and by participating in international study opportunities like the Center for Responsible Leadership and the Posey Global Leadership Fellows Program.
Student Engagement
Alma College students report levels of educational experiences and faculty interaction that exceed the national norms by significant amounts, according to the findings of the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement. In the 2006 study, Alma students reported a level of interactions with faculty that ranked among the top five percent in the nation.
Ecuador Partnership
Alma students can explore the environmental wonders of the Galapagos Islands, practice Spanish language skills, study Ecuadorian culture, complete coursework in business finance and fulfill a South American internship in entrepreneurship through Alma College’s one-of-a-kind partnership with Equatoralis University in Quito, Ecuador.
Honors Recognition
Alma College is among the six 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. Alma is also a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society, which recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership and exemplary character.
Character Development
Alma College is one of only 100 colleges and universities named to the Templeton Honor Roll in The Templeton Guides: Colleges That Encourage Character Development. Alma is also one of 240 institutions profiled in the Colleges of Distinction Guidebook for quality teaching, student experiences and how well students do upon graduation.
Community Involvement
The Princeton Review and Campus Compact commend Alma College for fostering social responsibility and public service. Alma is profiled in Colleges with a Conscience: 81 Great Schools with Outstanding Community Involvement. The Princeton Review also includes Alma College in its “Best in the Midwest” designation.
Liberal Arts Commitment
Alma College boasts a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, a liberal arts approach to undergraduate education, over 40 majors, minors and pre-professional programs, the chance to self-design programs of emphasis and an intensive Spring Term that provides opportunities for innovative courses, travel classes, research and internships.
National Scholarships
Since 2003, 20 Alma College students have won prestigious national fellowships, scholarships and awards, including 10 Fulbright fellowships and multiple Udall, Truman and Gates-Cambridge scholarships. Alma’s Nationally Competitive Scholarship Committee identifies and nurtures exceptional candidates for nationally competitive scholarships, grants and awards.
Model UN Powerhouse
Alma College students are annual high achievers in the national Model United Nations competition. Alma has received Outstanding Delegation awards in each of the last 12 years at the world’s largest and most prestigious collegiate Model UN Conference in New York City. In regional competition, Alma has earned 31 Outstanding Delegation awards over the last 15 years.
Phenomenal Placement
Alma College has phenomenal 90 percent placement rates into medical and law schools, compared to a national average of 46.6 percent for medical school placement. More than 90 percent of all Alma graduates report working in full-time positions or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.
Outstanding Fine Arts
Alma College fine and performing arts opportunities are available to majors and non-majors alike. Gifted art, dance, music and theatre students display their accomplishments both on-campus and in venues around the world, exhilarating and inspiring their audiences.
A Tradition of Athletic Excellence
Alma College has eighteen varsity sports and is a member of the MIAA, the oldest athletic conference in the NCAA. Our athletes have garnered both team and individual honors, and our coaching staff displays an amazing amount of talent and dedication.
Don't take our word for it: visit campus to meet our students, faculty and staff! You can also request contact from successful Alma College alumni who are eager to share their insight!
To contact the Admissions Office, call 1-800-321-ALMA or email admissions@alma.edu.
