California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State Polytechnic University Humboldt in Arcata, CA with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 6,237 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is located in Arcata, CA (Remote Town setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 16:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt ($11,546 vs. $14,090).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 12.6% lower than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt ($12,340 vs. $14,118).
• Saginaw Valley State University is 56.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (about $4,680 more per year; $12,930.00 vs. $8,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (about $9,600 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $20,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (98% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 25.7% larger than aid received by California State Polytechnic University Humboldt students ($13,512 vs. $10,748).

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (1080) is 30 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 970/1190; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 17/25; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt - Test-free; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Apr 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (3.33).
• California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a higher acceptance rate (98.2%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.9% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and Saginaw Valley State 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).

• California State Polytechnic University Humboldt's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State Polytechnic University Humboldt graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 48%)

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.