SAU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

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

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

SAU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than SAU ($14,693 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 3.9% lower than at University of Akron Main Campus ($11,440 vs. $11,904).
• Spring Arbor University is 159% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $20,879 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.4% higher at SAU than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $13,199 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at University of Akron Main Campus (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 106.7% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($23,877 vs. $11,551).

SAU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and SAU.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 80 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• University of Akron has a higher acceptance rate (59.7%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

SAU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and University of Akron? 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).

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Spring Arbor University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,457 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 45%)

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.