SAU vs. Gannon University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Gannon University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gannon University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (4,189 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Gannon University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gannon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Gannon University 11:1.

SAU vs. Gannon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Gannon 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 Gannon University ($21,067 vs. $23,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 28.3% lower than at Gannon University ($11,440 vs. $15,960).
• Gannon University is 19.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $6,642 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.5% higher at Gannon University than at Spring Arbor University (about $6,642 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Gannon University (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gannon University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($29,799 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Gannon University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 10 points higher than at Gannon University (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Gannon University 990/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsGannon University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Gannon University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Gannon University (3.59).
• Gannon University has a higher acceptance rate (74.2%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 11.4% at Gannon University.

SAU vs. Gannon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Gannon 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).

• Gannon University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Gannon University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 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 Gannon University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gannon University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Gannon University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.