Insight
Sue Goetschius, director of communications, says Alfred University has always been an institution “championing the underserved.” Alfred was the first co-educational institution in New York State and among the first to enroll students regardless of ethnicity or religion. A large percentage of students today continue to be economically disadvantaged; more than 90 percent receive institutional financial aid, which is one reason why both U.S. News & World Report and the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2010 rate Alfred as being a good value. Another population the university has traditionally served is those whose high school records might not be the strongest, but who the admissions officers believe have the potential to do well. Goetschius explains, “Often, when I speak with our alumni, I hear the recurring theme, ‘Alfred took a chance on me.’ “
How to Pay for College
To apply for financial aid, students should submit the following: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • institution’s own financial aid forms • state aid form • Non-custodian (Divorced/Separated) Parent’s Statement • Business/Farm Supplement. Alfred University participates in the Federal Work Study program. Need-based aid programs include: scholarships and grants • general need-based awards • Federal Pell grants • state scholarships and grants • college-based scholarships and grants • private scholarships and grants. Non-need-based aid programs include: scholarships and grants • state scholarships and grants • creative arts and performance awards • leadership scholarships/grants.
Highlights
Admissions
Applicants: 2,579
Accepted: 1,816
Acceptance rate: 70.4%
Average GPA: 3.2
ACT range: 22-27
SAT Math range: 510-600
SAT Reading range: 490-600
SAT Writing range: 470-590
Top 10% of class: 22%
Top 25% of class: 54%
Top 50% of class: 86%
Deadlines
Early Action: No
Early Decision: 12/1
Regular Action: 2/1 (priority)
8/1 (final)
Common Application: Accepted
Financial Aid
In-state tuition: $25,096
Out-of-state tuition: $25,096
Room: $5,766
Board: $5,262
Books: $1,000
Freshmen receiving need-based aid: 79%
Undergrads rec. need-based aid: 77%
Avg. % of need met by financial aid: 85%
Avg. aid package (freshmen): $24,067
Avg. aid package (undergrads): $22,557
Freshmen receiving merit-based aid: 5%
Undergrads rec. merit-based aid: 7%
Avg. debt upon graduation: $30,731
Prominent Alumni
Joel Moskowitz, CEO of Ceradyne; Robert Klein, actor.
School Spirit
Mascot: Saxons
Colors: Purple and gold
Song: Hail to Thee Alfred
ALMA COLLEGE
614 West Superior Street, Alma, MI 48801-1599
Admissions: 800-321-2562 • Financial Aid: 800-321-2562
Email: [email protected] • Website: http://www.alma.edu
From the College
“Alma College, a four-year liberal arts college in the middle of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, offers a personalized education that engages students in transformative learning experiences. Founded in 1886 and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Alma is committed to a quality undergraduate education and the development of responsible leaders through its Center for Responsible Leadership. Academic excellence and a deep regard for students as individuals are fundamental to its educational residential programs. Its small size enables many opportunities for one-on-one collaboration with faculty. Students also participate in research, community service and study abroad activities.”
Campus Setting
Alma College, founded in 1886, is a selective, private liberal arts college that highlights personalized education, social responsibility and extraordinary achievements. Alma’s undergraduates thrive on challenging academic program in a supportive, small-college environment emphasizing active, collaborative learning and close student-faculty interaction. Its 125-acre campus is within walking distance of downtown Alma, 40 miles from Saginaw, in the middle of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Alma maintains a close relationship with the Presbyterian Church but also offers an environment that welcomes students of all religious backgrounds. A four-year private institution, Alma College has an enrollment of 1,444 students. In addition to a large, well-stocked library, the campus facilities include: planetarium • science center • center for exercise and health science. Alma College provides on-campus housing with 27 units that can accommodate 1,237 students. Housing options: coed dorms • women’s dorms • sorority housing • fraternity housing. Recreation and sports facilities include: baseball, soccer and softball fields • basketball and volleyball courts • football, track and swimming pool stadium • tennis and recreation center.
Student Life and Activities
With 87 percent of students living on campus, there are plenty of social activities. Popular gathering spots include Stone Recreation Center and Tyler-VanDusen Campus Center. Favorite campus events include Homecoming, All Nighter, Songfest and Honors Day. Alma College has 75 official student organizations. The most popular are: Ambassadors • Union Board • Student Congress • Students Offering Service • College Democrats • College Republicans • Amnesty International • Big Brothers/Big Sisters • Model UN • Pride. For those interested in sports, there are intramural teams such as: basketball • dodgeball • softball • volleyball. Alma College is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (Division III).
Academics and Learning Environment
For the B student, the learning environment of a college is