SAU vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

SAU vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than SAU ($14,416 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 19.7% lower than at Wayne State University ($11,440 vs. $14,252).
• Spring Arbor University is 123.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $18,824 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at SAU than at Wayne State University (about $1,977 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 84.3% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($23,877 vs. $12,953).

SAU vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or WSU? 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 WSU and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 40 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 22.4% at WSU.

SAU vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and WSU? 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $1,785 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($22,258 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($230 vs. $248).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 38%)

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.