Finances shouldn’t stand between you and the future you want. Still, college is a major investment — and it’s natural to want clarity before taking that step.

A lot of students hear mixed messages about the cost difference between public institutions and private colleges. Let’s break things down so you can see whether Alma College could be the right fit for you.

Private colleges support students with significant financial need

If you rely on financial aid, you’ll be in good company at Alma — every single student receives some sort of assistance. Alma also dedicates a substantial portion of its annual budget to helping students afford their education. This “institutional aid” totaled about $41 million last year, specifically set aside to help cover tuition for students who need it most.

Curious about the 2026-27 FAFSA? Learn more here.

Earning money on campus is simple and flexible

Looking to offset tuition or earn some extra spending money? Alma offers plenty of on-campus job opportunities. Students can work up to 20 hours per week, and campus offices are used to working around your class schedule — and your extracurriculars — so you won’t have to miss out. You can choose to apply your earnings toward your bill, take home the full paycheck, or split it between the two.

Fewer surprise costs

Alma is home to the unique Alma Commitment, a guarantee you won’t find anywhere else. If you follow your academic plan from day one but still need an extra term to graduate on time, Alma will cover your tuition for that additional term. Other colleges may appear cheaper at first glance, but an unplanned extra semester could add unexpected costs. With the Alma Commitment, you have a built-in safety cushion.

Scholarships are abundant

Alma offers many scholarships based on both merit and financial need, all of which apply directly to tuition. For help covering room and board, the college encourages students to seek out external scholarships from Michigan programs or national scholarship databases — and those opportunities can significantly reduce overall costs.

Your education is worth it — wherever you choose to go

Whether you see yourself at Alma or another school, pursuing a college degree pays off. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2022, workers with a bachelor’s degree earned 59 percent more than those whose highest level of education was a high school diploma ($41,800).

Find more information about Financial Aid and Admissions at alma.edu.