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Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI·Public·6,004 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 6,004 students.

73%
Accept
6,004
Students
$14,582
Net Price
54%
Grad Rate
$42,700
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution located in University Center, Michigan with approximately 6,004 undergraduate students enrolled. Saginaw Valley State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 73%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,582 per year. The graduation rate is 54%, and the typical graduate earns $42,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is a public university in University Center, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1963 as Saginaw Valley College and is the newest public university in Michigan. Its 748-acre campus is in Kochville Township, approximately 5.5 miles (8.9 km) north of downtown Saginaw, Michigan. SVSU offers over 100 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in its five colleges, with approximately 8,500 students at its main campus in University Center.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $14,582/year average net price and only $17,500 in median debt at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable, which matters. However, the 54% graduation rate is a real concern — only about half of students who start here finish, which is worth asking hard questions about before committing. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but go in with eyes open.

Founded
1963
Setting
Midsize suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions22%
Business & Marketing15%
Education13%
Biological Sciences6%
Engineering5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Psychology4%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Meera ChopraDej Loaf

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1051
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,240
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,752
Avg Net Price
$14,582
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants32%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
54%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,004 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Saginaw Valley State University

7400 Bay Rd

University Center, MI 48710

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Michigan

Browse all Michigan schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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