Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has approximately two million members, 10,000 congregations and 63 church-related colleges, universities and secondary schools. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. The denomination's heritage and theology, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him. The denomination supports a variety of collegiate ministries. Alma College is a member of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities.
What does it mean for Alma to be a "church affiliated" college?
Founded by Presbyterians in 1886, Alma is a highly regarded 4-year liberal arts college. Though it is church affiliated, the college does not make religious affiliation or doctrinal uniformity a condition for admission or employment.
Alma College, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), affirms its Christian heritage in which all people are made in the image of God. We seek to foster a diverse community by welcoming people of all faiths, as well as those with no faith tradition, into the Alma College experience.
Our heritage affirms that faith and critical thinking reinforce each other. We are committed to cultivating intellectual, spiritual, and vocational discovery in all aspects of campus life.
The college maintains its ties with the denomination through the Office of the Chaplain, who serves as liaison to the Kirk Council, a group of Presbyterian lay and clergy representatives from the Michigan presbyteries. In addition, the College is in a covenantal relationship with the Michigan Presbyteries and the Synod of the Covenant
Alma students served at Fort Street Presbyterian Church's soup kitchen during an alternative break.
Are there any special provisions for Presbyterian students?
Children of Presbyterian clergy receive a discount of up to one-third cost of their tuition if they are not receiving other scholarship aid.
The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (USA) have two scholarships which are awarded annually. National Presbyterian College Scholarships (NPCS) is designed to assist high school seniors with their first year of college and the Student Opportunity Scholarships is designed to assist undergraduate students with their junior or senior year of college.
The Synod of the Covenant, through the Cabinet on Ethnic Church Affairs (CECA)(link), provides funds for racial ethnic scholarships for undergraduate and seminary studies. Recipients must be a member of a Presbyterian Church in Michigan or Ohio.
The Alma College Religious Leadership Awards (up to $1,000 each and renewable) recognize outstanding students of any religious denomination.
