UM-Flint vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Flint in Flint, 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 Flint is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (6,529 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Flint is located in Flint, MI (Midsize City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Michigan Flint 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 Flint 14:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

UM-Flint vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Flint 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 Flint than SAU ($7,852 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 18.5% lower than at University of Michigan Flint ($11,440 vs. $14,042).
• Spring Arbor University is 131.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM-Flint (about $19,310 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $14,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.1% higher at SAU than at University of Michigan Flint (about $5,694 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $28,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at University of Michigan Flint (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 89.6% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Flint students ($23,877 vs. $12,591).

UM-Flint vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 20 points higher than at UM-Flint (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Flint 970/1243; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Flint 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Flint - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Flint Aug 22, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at UM-Flint (3.54).
• UM-Flint has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at UM-Flint vs. 16.5% at SAU.

UM-Flint vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Flint 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 Flint's (37%).
• Graduates from Spring Arbor University earn a median of about $100 more per year than UM-Flint graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,957 lower median loan debt than UM-Flint graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM-Flint graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Flint students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 40%)

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.