Alaska Pacific University vs Alma College
Side-by-side college ROI comparison from College Scorecard data
Verdict
Alaska Pacific University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Alma College at 100.0%. Average median debt: Alaska Pacific University at $30,818 vs Alma College at $27,135. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $53,800 vs $55,900.
| Metric | Alaska Pacific University | Alma College |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| School Type | Private | Private |
| State | Ak | Mi |
| Avg Median Debt Average median debt across all tracked majors | $30,818 | $27,135* |
| Avg 1yr Earnings Average first-year earnings across all tracked majors | $53,800 | $55,900* |
| Majors Tracked | 10 | 20 |
| Best ROI Major | Business Administration, Management and Operations (76/100) | Computer Science (95/100)* |
| Best Major Debt | $29,776 | $22,950* |
| Best Major 1yr Earnings | $65,000 | $95,000* |
Alaska Pacific University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Alma College at 100.0%. Average median debt: Alaska Pacific University at $30,818 vs Alma College at $27,135. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $53,800 vs $55,900.
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Completion rates run close at the two schools: 100.0% versus 100.0%. When graduation probability is comparable across both options, the decision comes down to cost and post-graduation earnings rather than degree-completion risk.
Average median debt is roughly even across Alaska Pacific University and Alma College. The cost side of the comparison effectively cancels out; the meaningful question becomes whether the program mix and the earnings outcomes differ enough to break the tie.
Median first-year earnings are roughly comparable between the schools — $53,800 and $55,900. With earnings close, the financial comparison turns mostly on the cost side: total debt at graduation is the lever, since the earnings denominator essentially nets out.
Alaska Pacific University sits in Ak and Alma College in Mi. The geographic spread matters for cost (in-state vs. out-of-state tuition typically diverges sharply at public schools) and for post-graduation labor market (most schools place students primarily into regional employers). Cross-state comparisons should account for the residency-cost differential at any public option and the labor-market trajectory each campus connects students to.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, 2026.