SAU vs. Niagara University

Comparable Facts

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

Niagara University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (4,033 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Niagara University is in Niagara University, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Niagara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Niagara University 10:1.

SAU vs. Niagara University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Niagara 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 Niagara University than SAU ($16,613 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 14.6% lower than at Niagara University ($11,440 vs. $13,400).
• Niagara University is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $5,331 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at Niagara University than at Spring Arbor University (about $5,331 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Niagara University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 40.6% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($33,575 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Niagara University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Niagara University (1150) is 20 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Niagara University 1060/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNiagara University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Niagara University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Niagara University (3.53).
• Niagara University has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 14.5% at Niagara University.

SAU vs. Niagara University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Niagara 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).

• Niagara University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Niagara University earn a median of about $500 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,100 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $957 lower median loan debt than Niagara University graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Niagara University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.