Business Administration, Management and Operations at Alma College

Alma College's business program sits at the 25th percentile among Michigan schools—meaning three-quarters of business programs in the state produce higher earnings. With first-year graduates earning $39,300, that's about $11,000 below the Michigan median of $50,550 and $6,400 below the national benchmark. The debt load of $27,000 matches state norms, but when paired with below-average earnings, the financial picture tilts unfavorable compared to other in-state options like Grand Valley State ($57,760) or even regional competitors.

The 28% earnings growth to $50,424 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, though graduates still trail the state median. For context, Michigan State graduates start at $71,253—nearly double Alma's first-year figure—while carrying similar debt loads. That said, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, and individual outcomes vary widely at smaller schools.

If your child is set on a small liberal arts environment and has other financial support, Alma might work. But purely from an earnings standpoint, Michigan families have stronger business program options at public universities that cost less for in-state students and deliver substantially higher starting salaries. The numbers suggest looking elsewhere unless Alma offers something specific—like merit aid or a particular campus fit—that materially changes the value equation.