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Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI·Private nonprofit·1,010 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.

52%
Accept
1,010
Students
$19,353
Net Price
64%
Grad Rate
$45,000
Earnings
10 yr
$26,375
Debt

About This School

Spring Arbor University is a private nonprofit institution located in Spring Arbor, Michigan with approximately 1,010 undergraduate students enrolled. Spring Arbor University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 52%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,353 per year. The graduation rate is 64%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church)
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,316

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Health Professions12%
Education11%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Communications3%
Psychology3%
Engineering2%
Biological Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jennell Jaquays

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1170
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,014
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,014
Avg Net Price
$19,353
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$14,530
$30–48k$15,697
$48–75k$16,197
$75–110k$19,358
$110k+$21,370

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants29%
Median debt at graduation$26,375

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
64%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,375
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$45,000
Female graduates$35,800

Gap: 20% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,375
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.7x

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

White69%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%
Two or more races4%
International4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,010 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.
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