NNU vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

NNU vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU 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 Spring Arbor University than NNU ($21,067 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 5.2% lower than at Northwest Nazarene University ($11,440 vs. $12,070).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $6,780 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at NNU than at Spring Arbor University (about $6,780 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 5.3% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($25,146 vs. $23,877).

NNU vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU 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 NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 10 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at NNU (3.59).
• NNU has a higher acceptance rate (64.7%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 16.5% at SAU.

NNU vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU 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 Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of about $400 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,957 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($24,043 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 58%)

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.