SAU vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Spring Arbor University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

SAU vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University ($21,067 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 8.3% lower than at Wheeling University ($11,440 vs. $12,470).
• Spring Arbor University is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheeling University (about $4,139 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.9% higher at SAU than at Wheeling University (about $4,139 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Wheeling University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 8.9% larger than aid received by Wheeling University students ($23,877 vs. $21,931).

SAU vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 60 points higher than at Wheeling University (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• Wheeling University has a higher acceptance rate (63.2%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

SAU vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 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 Wheeling University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.