Alfred University vs Alma College
Side-by-side college ROI comparison from College Scorecard data
Verdict
Alfred University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Alma College at 100.0%. Average median debt: Alfred University at $38,848 vs Alma College at $27,135. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $64,000 vs $55,900.
| Metric | Alfred University | Alma College |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| School Type | Private | Private |
| State | Ny | Mi |
| Avg Median Debt Average median debt across all tracked majors | $38,848 | $27,135* |
| Avg 1yr Earnings Average first-year earnings across all tracked majors | $64,000* | $55,900 |
| Majors Tracked | 20 | 20 |
| Best ROI Major | Ceramic Sciences and Engineering (85/100) | Computer Science (95/100)* |
| Best Major Debt | $33,867 | $22,950* |
| Best Major 1yr Earnings | $92,000 | $95,000* |
Alfred University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Alma College at 100.0%. Average median debt: Alfred University at $38,848 vs Alma College at $27,135. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $64,000 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.
The schools sit within a moderate debt range of each other: $27,135 versus $38,848. Read those alongside the earnings figures — debt by itself is misleading, what matters is the debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, which captures the real burden of repayment relative to the income the degree produces.
Median first-year earnings sit moderately apart at Alfred University and Alma College. The school with stronger earnings has a real edge for high-cost-of-living markets where the absolute dollar figure matters; the school with lower earnings can still be the better choice in markets where the cost-of-living differential more than offsets the income gap.
Alfred University sits in Ny 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.