Michigan vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Michigan Ann Arbor is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (52,855 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI (Midsize City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 11:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Michigan vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan or SAU? 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 Michigan Ann Arbor than SAU ($17,574 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 25.4% lower than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor ($11,440 vs. $15,328).
• Spring Arbor University is 91.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan (about $16,278 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.2% higher at Michigan than at Spring Arbor University (about $26,932 more per year; $60,946.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Michigan Ann Arbor students is 5.1% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($25,099 vs. $23,877).

Michigan vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1450) is 320 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 1360/1530; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Michigan Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at SAU (3.61).
• SAU has a higher acceptance rate (51.5%) than Michigan (15.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.3% at Michigan vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Michigan vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan and SAU? 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).

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of about $31,800 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,400 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates have a $3,940 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($20,103 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, Michigan graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($207 vs. $248).
• More Michigan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.