SAU vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Capital University in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Capital University 9:1.

SAU vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Capital 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 Spring Arbor University than Capital University ($21,067 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 11.9% lower than at Capital University ($11,440 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 27.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $9,220 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.1% higher at Capital University than at Spring Arbor University (about $9,220 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Capital University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($34,471 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or Capital 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 Capital University and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 80 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCapital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at SAU (3.61).
• Capital University has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

SAU vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,957 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.