Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution in University Center with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1051, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 6K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
54% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,955 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,582.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Saginaw Valley State University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1051
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
48.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
42
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (80)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
- •75% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Higher education in the Saginaw Valley region dates back to the founding of Bay City Junior College in 1922.
- •Though the junior college was replaced by Delta College in 1961, the area still lacked a four-year baccalaureate institution.
- •Saginaw Valley College was founded as a private institution in November 1963, and became a state-supported institution in 1965.
- •The name changed to Saginaw Valley State College in 1974 and again to Saginaw Valley State University in 1987.
- •In 1955, civic leaders in the Saginaw Valley region met to discuss prospects for a local institution of higher education.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Schools Like This
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI · Town · Public
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI · Urban · Public
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI · Town · Public
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI · Suburban · Public