Photo: Alma College. Retrieved from: www.alma.edu
Alma College is a Presbyterian affiliated coed college that focuses on helping students to obtain the ideal liberal arts education. The College is dedicated to providing smaller sized classes to ensure that each student gets the attention they deserve to optimize their college experience. Students can indulge into the infamous liberal arts experience at Alma College or venture into more special interest and professional studies as well. Alma College offers an extensive support system for all students that assist them in making daily decisions such as class and event scheduling or more intricate assistance such as financial aid and professional preparation for the workplace. Strategic planning is held in high regard at the College to ensure that all students are given ample opportunity to become successful model citizens.
In addition to providing students with the ideal education and academic experience, Alma College is also dedicated to encouraging students to follow the Judeo-Christian heritage of bringing something more than just solid education to the outside world. Students are taught and inspired to get involved with their education, community and personal goals. Perseverance, persistence and participation are the keys to success in any life goal. At Alma College, students are taught the skills needed to not only achieve their goals but to maintain them as well.
School History
Alma College was founded in 1886 by the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan that shared the same beliefs in creating a solid residential atmosphere to support and solidify the ideal education for students. It was just one year earlier that the Synod established a committee that was specifically designed to create a Presbyterian College, securing funding and ensuring that the college would be built in the state. This committee consisted of quite historic figure such as J. Ambrose Wight, Alexander Folsom and Ammi W. Wright. In fact, most of the buildings that exist on campus today are named in honor of the founding board of trustees which included others such as August F. Bruske and Thomas F. Merrill.
Alma College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as well as the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
The goal of the founders was to create a college that had strong Presbyterian roots, however remained open to students of all religions and cultures. These intentions quickly evolved to a college that offered not only a deep appreciation for liberal arts but an equally scientific education as well. Throughout the years, Alma College has developed an iron clad curriculum that encumbers the liberal arts and scientific format that the founders had envisioned, as well as professional preparation courses that would help students face life after graduation with ease and confidence.
Campus Life
Alma College offers students a solid foundation on campus with everything from the essential amenities to an active social life. Students will find tons of activities and live events hosted by the various student organizations, interest groups and activists throughout the campus grounds. The interactive events schedule and the Office of student Life is available to help students plan efficiently to ensure they don’t miss out on their favorite social events such as Greek Week or sports games. Alma College encourages students to optimize their college experience by getting involved with the student body and surrounding communities.
The Office for Student Development remains available to assist all students in finding opportunities to help them advance in their studies and career paths. These services may include job placement, resume preparations and counseling. Developing a strong support system on campus is a major part of campus life. Assisting students in such a crucial time period is imperative to their success in the future. For this reason, Alma College has over 65 clubs and organizations that students can get involved in and help build. There are also plenty of varsity sports and intramural sports that draw the student’s attention whether in the game or cheering from the sidelines.
Residential life on campus offers a wealth of opportunity, especially for first year students. Living on campus enables students to get to know their peers, develop long lasting friendships and learn the ropes of college life at a faster pace. Many students take advantage of the various housing options such as residence halls, apartment buildings and townhouses located on and off campus. Although first year students reside in the residence halls on campus, many return to pledge at the fraternity and sorority houses also located on campus.
Financial Aid
Financial aid can be a daunting task for students, especially while entering their first year at college. The Office of Financial Aid provides students with plenty of resources and guidance to find the funding that best suits their needs. More importantly, counselors are available to help students file and prepare for each semester, making sure that they have everything they need to cover tuition, books and expenses while at school.
Over 90% of Alma College students take advantage of some form of financial aid while attending school. The College accepts all forms of government funding such as the most common forms of financial aid known as TAP and FAFSA loans. However, students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships and grants to assist with tuition as well. Alma College offers independently funded financial aid in the forms of athletic scholarships and merit-wards that can help students cover some or all of their college expenses. Upon admissions, each student is considered for need based funding based on special circumstances, veteran and disability statuses as well as personal situations.
Rankings
2017 College Rankings
