Saginaw Valley State University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saginaw Valley State University is located in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saginaw Valley State University 16:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Saginaw Valley State University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saginaw Valley State University or WSU? 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 WSU ($11,546 vs. $14,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 13.4% lower than at Wayne State University ($12,340 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $2,260 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at WSU than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $1,587 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University as at Wayne State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 4.3% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($13,512 vs. $12,953).

Saginaw Valley State University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saginaw Valley State University or WSU? 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 WSU and Saginaw Valley State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 120 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming WSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Saginaw Valley State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saginaw Valley State University 18/26; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16% at Saginaw Valley State University vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Saginaw Valley State University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saginaw Valley State University and WSU? 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).

• Saginaw Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Saginaw Valley State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 38%)

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.