Lake Superior State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State University or Saginaw Valley State University? 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Lake Superior State University ($11,546 vs. $12,339).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 7.1% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($11,459 vs. $12,340).
• Lake Superior State University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $1,960 more per year; $14,890.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.5% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Lake Superior State University (about $15,560 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at Lake Superior State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($14,632 vs. $13,512).

Lake Superior State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State University or Saginaw Valley State University? 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 Saginaw Valley State University and Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Lake Superior State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Saginaw Valley State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State University and Saginaw Valley State University? 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).

• Saginaw Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 48%)

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.