Andrews University vs Alma College: which has better ROI?
Andrews University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,188 in 10.4 years versus 13 years at Alma College, on median earnings of $53,187 vs $54,742 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Andrews University | Alma College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,547 | $20,694 |
| Total net cost | $50,188 | $82,776 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,187 | $54,742 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 10.4 yrs | 13 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $46,352 | $44,864 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Andrews University or Alma College?
Andrews University, at $12,547 a year after aid versus $20,694 — a gap of $8,147 a year, or $32,588 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Andrews University or Alma College graduates earn more?
Alma College graduates report a median $54,742 ten years after entry, $1,555 more than the $53,187 at Andrews University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Andrews University or Alma College?
Andrews University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alma College, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Andrews University, against 63% at Alma College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.