Types of Aid
100% of Alma College students receive financial assistance. This includes all domestic, transfer, undocumented, and international students. See our scholarships based on merit, performance, and additional criteria or specific areas of study.
Scholarships
Scholarship aid comes from many sources and can be based on academic achievement, athletic ability, geographical location, departmental and community involvement, areas of study, financial need as well as other factors. Best of all, it’s the type of aid that does not require repayment.
Grants
Federal and state governments offer many financial aid opportunities for students that are based on need and do not need to be repaid. All grants are determined based on the information you provide on your fafsa and have different eligibility requirements.
Loans
Typically, financial aid does not cover your entire cost. Loans can supplement what youn can afford to pay and are awarded after your eligibility for grants, scholarships and work-study is considered. Your financial aid package may include loans in the form of need-based or non-need-based financial aid. There are many types of loans, with varying eligibility requirements and unlike gants and scholarships, they must be repaid.
Federal work Study and Other Jobs
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program subsidized by the federal government that provides part-time job opportunities for students who have need-based financial aid eligibility and is a great way to earn money to help pay for your educational expenses. Even if you are not awarded work-study, there are employment opportunities available to students on campus which give you valuable work experience.
Important Eligibility Information
Be sure to review Alma College’s policies/procedures and the academic catalog as it is your responsibility to be familiar with situations that may affect your financial aid.
Students receiving a full tuition scholarship, grant or award from Alma College or an outside provider are not eligible to receive standard Alma College merit, competitive, or additional scholarships, grants or awards. These are replaced by the full tuition award being received. This includes but is not limited to the Yellow Ribbon Program, ROTC, and Alma College’s Distinguished Scholar Award (up to full tuition). Non-College financial aid will be adjusted in accordance with the rules and regulations applicable to those programs.
