Choosing a college is a big decision — one that shapes not just what you study, but who you become. For many students, Alma College is more than a place to earn a degree; it’s where they found their community, discovered new opportunities, and realized their potential.
Ask students why they chose Alma, and you’ll hear many different answers. Some point to close relationships with professors, others to hands-on experiences, athletics, the arts, or studying abroad. While no two stories are the same, a shared theme emerges: Alma is a place where students feel known, supported, and challenged.
To capture that spirit, we asked students around campus a simple question: Why was choosing Alma College the best decision ever? Their candid responses offer a glimpse into the experiences and moments that make Alma feel like home — and why so many students wouldn’t choose anywhere else.
Grace Gottschalk
Academics. The cadaver lab has been very helpful to me in my major.
Vicky Villarosa
Since it’s a smaller school, you get to know your professors really well.
Chloe Anderson
Travel opportunities.
Bree McCluskey
Everyone is very welcoming.
Annabelle Waterstredt
You get to know your classmates really well.
Allyson Harvey
Dr. Argueta. He’s a great professor and he’s always on my side.
Owen Blackport
You have lots of 1-on-1 time with your professors.
Hannah Gyolai
On a small campus, you feel like you’re at home.
Iyla Beaulieu
The small campus size.
Kyle Scheck
The swim team, the visible sense of community and Alma’s generous scholarship opportunities.
Lindsey Zarka
Kappa Iota — it’s a local sorority, which means it’s totally unique to Alma College.
Jackson Pollard
My lacrosse teammates. It was an immediate family for me.
Elijah Festerling
The physics and engineering faculty — Dr. Argueta, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Li — make me feel welcome here.
Ed Markarian
My advisor, Dr. Jensen, is great.
Alexis Norko
Dr. Collamati. I’m a new media major and he’s been an enormous supporter of mine.
Helen Pendleton
It’s a five-minute walk to class.
Bryce Birchmeier
It’s very easy to get involved in activities outside of your major.
Regan Elliott
Dr. Dora-Laskey. I’ve never met someone so passionate and caring for students.
Khai Le
Model UN has given me lots of opportunities to get out of my comfort zone.
Cara Hofstra
The friends I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had, at a relatively low cost.
Christopher Luke
The brotherhood of Sigma Chi, including those who are alumni.
Maddie Gettel
Alpha Xi Delta and the Admissions office are great communities.
Nicholas Honaker
The football team is a brotherhood.
Abby Dumond
The music faculty remembered my name and my instrument when I came back after my first visit to campus.
Jadyn Pilarski
The education department faculty have all taught themselves, so they’re able to give us real-world examples based on what they’ve seen.
Brayden VanderKamp
Tau Kappa Epsilon is a great group of guys, and Dr. Cunningham is a great professor.
Julia Duncan
I’m a part of the softball team, and it’s helped me make a lot of friends. I’m also a nursing major, and the relationships you build in that department are special.
Dageor Robertson
The football coaches all make me feel comfortable here on campus, and the professors really care about you.
Hailey Puruleski
Dr. Cicci makes everything more fun. I look forward to the days I have his class.
Angela Simmons
The community is very close-knit and people are happy to help if you ask for it.
Alyssa Burger
The marching band is a close-knit, talented group of people. I also think it’s cool that we wear traditional Scottish uniforms.
Noel Nelson
My sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, has given me opportunities to take on leadership positions.
Killian Glover
The Venture grant — I’m going to Scotland and Ireland in May because of it.
Kendra Walch
I went to Disney this past spring because of the Venture grant. I’ve also been able to travel thanks to athletics.
Delilah Zingelewicz
The swim team. I love the sport, the team and Coach Hamstra. I’ve made a lot of friends.
Thaliana Jean Thomas
The community will help with anything you need.
Nick Malish
The location. It’s close to my hometown.
Annie Singh
The environmental club on campus, LEAPS. They’re friendly, inclusive and have given me lots of opportunities to make connections around town.
Katie Henstock
I love the dance team. They are my family.
Iris Jimenez
My sorority, Kappa Iota, makes me feel so comfortable on campus.
Turner Smith
The location is close to home and the professors are pretty chill.
Robert Heemer
The eSports Overwatch team, led by Coach Gaumond.
Seth Washabaugh
My fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, are a great group of guys who have given me great connections.
Find out for yourself why going to Alma College is the best decision ever by going to alma.edu/visit.
