Eastern Michigan University vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Michigan University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Michigan University 14:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Eastern Michigan University vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern Michigan University or SAU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Michigan University than SAU ($15,742 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 16.2% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($11,440 vs. $13,652).
• Spring Arbor University is 109.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern Michigan University (about $17,774 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.4% higher at SAU than at Eastern Michigan University (about $17,774 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Eastern Michigan University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 78.6% larger than aid received by Eastern Michigan University students ($23,877 vs. $13,370).

Eastern Michigan University vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern Michigan University or SAU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SAU and Eastern Michigan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 80 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Michigan University 920/1170; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern Michigan University - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• Eastern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (79.6%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Eastern Michigan University vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern Michigan University and SAU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Spring Arbor University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,457 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.