ALMA — Momentum is building at Alma College as the 2025–26 academic year begins with a new president, a state-of-the-art athletic field house, and a significant increase in its first-year class.
Alma welcomed 323 first-year students this fall — a 13-percent increase over last year’s class — along with 43 new transfer students and 17 new graduate students. The incoming Scots represent six countries and 14 U.S. states, ranging as far as California and Alaska. Nearly one in five students identifies with a minority population group.
The enrollment surge coincides with the first full academic year in the Andrus Family Field House, a multipurpose facility that serves several Scots athletic teams and provides expanded space for training, recreation, and campus events. The $14-million, 78,080-square-foot facility is named after Larry Andrus, a member of the Class of 1972 and longtime member of the college Board of Trustees.
The momentum also follows the appointment of Dr. Joseph L. Odenwald as Alma’s 14th president earlier this year. Before joining Alma, Odenwald served as president of Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, where enrollment increased every year since 2022.
“I’m honored to join Alma College alongside this year’s incoming class,” Odenwald said. “These results reflect the dedication of our staff and faculty across the college in providing personalized attention to every student and supporting them in all of their interests. I look forward to watching this class grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Doug Freed, Alma’s vice president for enrollment management, communications and marketing, emphasized that prospective students who visited Alma College’s campus were much more likely to enroll than students who did not.
“It’s been wonderful to see students engage with faculty before they begin classes at Alma. That early connection builds a sense of belonging and confidence that makes the transition to college smoother — and it often inspires students to see themselves thriving here,” Freed said.
This fall’s class also reflects Alma’s tradition of excellence. Thirty percent more students in the Class of 2029 earned a GPA of 3.8 or higher compared to last year.
Prospective students at Alma College apply for free — and all that is required of them are an application and transcripts. The Alma College application process stands out for its ease of use. Standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are not required, and there is no entrance exam.
Explore what makes Alma College a top choice for students across Michigan and beyond by visiting alma.edu/apply.