SAU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 2,441 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

SAU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Ohio 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 Ohio University ($21,067 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 19.2% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($11,440 vs. $14,162).
• Spring Arbor University is 140.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $19,856 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.9% higher at SAU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $9,176 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Ohio University Main Campus (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 153.4% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($23,877 vs. $9,422).

SAU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or Ohio University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ohio University and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 60 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresOhio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SAU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

SAU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Ohio University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $3,543 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($211 vs. $248).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 51%)

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.