Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Spring Arbor University logo

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI·Private nonprofit·990 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

37%
Accept
990
Students
$20,899
Net Price
60%
Grad Rate
$45,000
Earnings
10 yr
$24,724
Debt

About This School

Spring Arbor University is a private nonprofit institution located in Spring Arbor, Michigan with approximately 990 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 37% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $20,899 per year. The graduation rate is 60%, and the typical graduate earns $45,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a private Free Methodist university in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Developing from an earlier academy and junior college, in 1963 it began offering bachelor's degrees. Attaining university status in 1994, it is the second-largest evangelical Christian university in Michigan. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 60% graduation rate and 74% freshman retention suggest that roughly 1 in 4 students don't make it to sophomore year, which is worth taking seriously. That said, the $20,899 average net price is genuinely reasonable for a private Christian university, and graduates earning a median of $45,000 a decade out with only $24,724 in debt leaves a manageable financial footprint. Worth considering if you're looking for a small, faith-centered campus in Michigan and have a clear plan to stay engaged and on track — but visit first and ask hard questions about student support.

Founded
1873
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Health Professions16%
Education6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences4%
Psychology2%
Communications2%
Engineering1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jennell Jaquays

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1072
Reading 75th %ile595
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,580
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,580
Avg Net Price
$20,899
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$24,724

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
60%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,724
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,724
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

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

White71%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (990 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Spring Arbor University

106 E. Main St

Spring Arbor, MI 49283-9799

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

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.