SAU vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than AMU based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,423 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

SAU vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or AMU? 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 AMU ($21,067 vs. $25,294).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 20.7% lower than at Ave Maria University ($11,440 vs. $14,432).
• Spring Arbor University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $3,816 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at SAU than at Ave Maria University (about $3,816 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Ave Maria University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 14% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($23,877 vs. $20,936).

SAU vs. AMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or AMU? 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 AMU and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is the same as at AMU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAve Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; AMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at AMU (3.6).
• SAU has a higher acceptance rate (51.5%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 32.8% at AMU.

SAU vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and AMU? 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 Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $1,615 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($22,428 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($231 vs. $248).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AMU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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.