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PrivateRural

Spring Arbor University

SAU

Spring Arbor, Michigan 49283-9799

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Campus Vibe

Small & IntimateRuralPrivate

Known for business — close-knit campus

Spring Arbor University is a private institution in Spring Arbor with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1072, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A small campus of 990 undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.

60% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,732 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,899.

Established
1873
Motto
Fides, Vivens, Discens
Mascot
Cougar
Type
Private university
Conference
National Association of
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

44 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Tour

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37%Acceptance
1072SAT Avg
990Students
11:1Student:Faculty
60%Grad Rate
$51,732Earnings 10yr
$20,899Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Spring Arbor University Launches New Data Science Minor

Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.

tuition2026-02-28

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

Acceptance Rate37.3%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1072

Reading & Writing
470595
Math
465570

ACT Score Range

Composite
1725

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

37.3%

Trend

SAT Avg

1072

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$32,580
Room & Board$10,960
Books & Supplies$800
Total Cost of Attendance$43,178
Average Net Price$20,899
Median Debt at Graduation$26,375
Monthly Payment (10yr)$280

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$16,569
$30–48K$18,940
$48–75K$18,556
$75–110K$21,635
$110K+$23,328

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

48.7%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$24,724

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

5

Peer Average

3

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

1

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

1

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

2

Drug Arrests

1

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (81)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

74%

Negative
  • 74% 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

Dedicated OfficeOffice of Disability Services
Extended test timeNote-taking assistanceHousing accommodationsAccessible transportation

ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements

Dining

Rating

★★★★☆

Score

4/5

Meal Plan

$6,200/yr

VegetarianVeganGluten-freeHalalKosher

Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options

Student Body

Undergrads
990
Gender Split
63% / 37%
Women / Men
First Generation
35%
Pell Grant Recipients
26%

Race & Ethnicity

White 71%
Black 7%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 1%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate59.9%
Freshman Retention73.6%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$45,592
10 Years$51,732

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
2
vs 2024
Forbes
#52
1
vs 2024
Niche
#38
3
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Cougars

SoccerBasketball

History & Fun Facts

  • History Spring Arbor University developed in the late 20th century from a seminary founded in 1873 by leaders of the Free Methodist Church, particularly Edward Payson Hart.
  • First Spring Arbor Seminary was established as a private academy for elementary and secondary grades.
  • In 1923, the board of trustees voted to add a junior college to the academy.
  • In 1929, the school was renamed as Spring Arbor Seminary and Junior College.
  • Primary and intermediate classes were discontinued in 1930.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Transit Scores

BikeableCampus shuttle: Free campus shuttle runs 7am-midnight
72
Walk Score
45
Transit Score
68
Bike Score

Local Economy

Unemployment Rate3.2%
Top Employers
UniversityRegional Medical CenterTech corridor firms
Key Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnology

Getting There

Nearest Airports

DTW Detroit61 mi
CLE Cleveland150 mi
ORD Chicago O'Hare173 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA689 mi · ~19h 54m drive
New York, NY556 mi · ~16h 4m drive
Hartford, CT611 mi · ~17h 39m drive
Providence, RI675 mi · ~19h 30m drive
Albany, NY551 mi · ~15h 55m drive
Syracuse, NY431 mi · ~12h 27m drive
Rochester, NY359 mi · ~10h 22m drive
Buffalo, NY293 mi · ~8h 28m drive
Philadelphia, PA513 mi · ~14h 49m drive
Pittsburgh, PA266 mi · ~7h 41m drive
Harrisburg, PA420 mi · ~12h 8m drive
Newark, NJ547 mi · ~15h 48m drive
Washington, DC456 mi · ~13h 10m drive
Baltimore, MD462 mi · ~13h 21m drive
Atlanta, GA584 mi · ~16h 52m drive
Charlotte, NC522 mi · ~15h 5m drive
Raleigh, NC546 mi · ~15h 46m drive
Miami, FL1163 mi · ~33h 36m drive
Orlando, FL961 mi · ~27h 46m drive
Tampa, FL992 mi · ~28h 39m drive
Nashville, TN434 mi · ~12h 32m drive
New Orleans, LA901 mi · ~26h 2m drive
Richmond, VA496 mi · ~14h 20m drive
Chicago, IL159 mi · ~4h 36m drive
Detroit, MI78 mi · ~2h 15m drive
Minneapolis, MN476 mi · ~13h 45m drive
St. Louis, MO386 mi · ~11h 9m drive
Kansas City, MO567 mi · ~16h 23m drive
Indianapolis, IN188 mi · ~5h 26m drive
Columbus, OH175 mi · ~5h 3m drive
Cleveland, OH155 mi · ~4h 29m drive
Milwaukee, WI180 mi · ~5h 12m drive
Dallas, TX933 mi · ~26h 57m drive
Houston, TX1049 mi · ~30h 18m drive
Austin, TX1102 mi · ~31h 50m drive
San Antonio, TX1176 mi · ~33h 58m drive
Los Angeles, CA1902 mi · ~54h 57m drive
San Francisco, CA2011 mi · ~58h 6m drive
San Diego, CA1891 mi · ~54h 38m drive
Seattle, WA1867 mi · ~53h 56m drive
Portland, OR1895 mi · ~54h 45m drive
Denver, CO1077 mi · ~31h 7m drive
Phoenix, AZ1610 mi · ~46h 31m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1412 mi · ~40h 47m drive
Honolulu, HI4404 mi · ~127h 14m drive
Upper Midwest / Northeast (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Suggested Itinerary

9:00 AMArrive & park
Visitor parking lot
Free parking with visitor pass
9:30 AMCheck in at Admissions
Admissions Office
10:00 AMInformation session
Welcome Center
45 minutes
11:00 AMCampus tour
Starts at Welcome Center
75 minutes, student-led
12:30 PMLunch
Main Dining Hall
Visitor meal passes available
1:30 PMDepartment visit
Academic buildings
Schedule with department directly
2:30 PMExplore campus independently
Library, student center, residence halls

Airport Transit

Detroit (DTW)61 miles
Rental car
92 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
122 min$73-122
Cleveland (CLE)150 miles
Rental car
225 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
300 min$180-300

Deadline Calendar

Spring Arbor University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications

Spring Arbor University — v2 Preview — TourStack