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#8 Best Private Colleges in Michigan

SAU Admission Requirements

Spring Arbor, Michigan

 4 Reviews

Your chances of getting into Spring Arbor University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

37.3%
Admission Difficulty for Spring Arbor University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Easy 
Applicant Competition High 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at SAU is 37.3%.  Its admission rate is the 4th lowest in Michigan and the 157th lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into SAU and can you get accepted?

SAU is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 1,174 out of the 3,145 who applied were admitted.

Spring Arbor University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.61. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into SAU?

37% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Spring Arbor University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.61 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1050 on the SAT
  • Score 21 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

SAU GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.61

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Spring Arbor University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into SAU are to have around a 3.61 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to SAU will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at SAU is 3.61 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #13 in Michigan for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since SAU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Calculate My Chances 

SAU SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Spring Arbor University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 29% of students submitted SAT scores and 4% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

935-1165

Applicants Submitting SAT 

29%
SAT Scores for Spring Arbor University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 470
Math 25th Percentile 465
Composite 25th Percentile 935
SAT Scores for Spring Arbor University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 595
Math 75th Percentile 570
Composite 75th Percentile 1165
Average SAT Score 1050

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Spring Arbor University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at SAU is 1050 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 935-1165. Students who get into Spring Arbor University score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers..  SAU ranks #26 in the state of Michigan for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1050 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. SAU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 935 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 935, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 820, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Spring Arbor University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1050 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1050, you have around a 37% chance of being admitted. A 1165 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 53% chance of getting in.

Spring Arbor University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1165 and Above Good >53%
1050 to 1165 Avg + 37%-53%
935 to 1050 Avg - 24%-37%
820 to 935 Reach 14%-24%
Less than 820 Low <14%
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SAU ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

17-25 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

4%
ACT Scores for Spring Arbor University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 17
Math 25th Percentile 19
Composite 25th Percentile 17
ACT Scores for Spring Arbor University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 24
Math 75th Percentile 24
Composite 75th Percentile 25
Average ACT Score 21

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into SAU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to SAU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 17 and 25.  The school ranks #25 in Michigan for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 17 and score in the score in the top 69 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 13.

4 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Spring Arbor University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Spring Arbor University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into SAU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 37% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 53% with a 25 ACT score.

Spring Arbor University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
25 and Above Good >53%
21 to 25 Avg + 37%-53%
17 to 21 Avg - 24%-37%
13 to 17 Reach 14%-24%
Less than 13 Low <14%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

86% of Spring Arbor University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 50% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Spring Arbor University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 22%
Top 25% of class 50%
Top 50% of class 86%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Spring Arbor University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 1,607 1,526 3,145
Accepted 716 457 1,174
Acceptance Rate 45% 30% 37%
Enrolled 109 97 206
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 15% 21% 18%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting class

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Spring Arbor University is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Spring Arbor University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Spring Arbor University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Spring Arbor University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because SAU is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.61 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1050 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1165 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Spring Arbor University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=172334 IPEDS survey data for Spring Arbor University.

Last updated February 24, 2025