Principia College vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Principia College vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College 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 Principia College than SAU ($18,248 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 17.8% lower than at Principia College ($11,440 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $666 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2% higher at Principia College than at Spring Arbor University (about $666 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 27.3% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($30,402 vs. $23,877).

Principia College vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 20 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College 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).

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.