UM-Dearborn vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Dearborn in Dearborn, 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 Dearborn is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (8,104 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Dearborn is located in Dearborn, MI (Small City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Michigan Dearborn 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 Dearborn 16:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

UM-Dearborn vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Dearborn 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 Dearborn than SAU ($11,521 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 1.7% lower than at Spring Arbor University ($11,241 vs. $11,440).
• Spring Arbor University is 117.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM-Dearborn (about $18,374 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $15,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at SAU than at University of Michigan Dearborn (about $1,118 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $32,896.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at University of Michigan Dearborn (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 96.9% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students ($23,877 vs. $12,124).

UM-Dearborn vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM-Dearborn 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 UM-Dearborn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 10 points higher than at UM-Dearborn (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 990/1255; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Dearborn - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UM-Dearborn students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at SAU (3.61).
• UM-Dearborn has a higher acceptance rate (55.6%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at UM-Dearborn vs. 16.5% at SAU.

UM-Dearborn vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Dearborn 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).

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than University of Michigan Dearborn's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,707 lower median loan debt than UM-Dearborn graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM-Dearborn graduates ($248 vs. $266).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 46%)

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.