SAU vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carroll University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (3,138 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

SAU vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Carroll 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 Carroll University ($21,067 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 19.9% lower than at Carroll University ($11,440 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $4,876 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at Carroll University than at Spring Arbor University (about $4,876 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Carroll University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($25,634 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carroll University (1160) is 30 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCarroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• Carroll University has a higher acceptance rate (66.8%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

SAU vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Carroll 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).

• Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Carroll University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 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 Carroll University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Carroll University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.