SAU vs. Alfred University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Alfred University in Alfred, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Alfred University is in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Alfred University 9:1.

SAU vs. Alfred University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Alfred 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 Spring Arbor University than Alfred University ($21,067 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 25.6% lower than at Alfred University ($11,440 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $7,486 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22% higher at Alfred University than at Spring Arbor University (about $7,486 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Alfred University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 29.9% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($31,022 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Alfred University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or Alfred 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 Alfred University and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 70 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Alfred University 1095/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAlfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Alfred University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Alfred University has a higher acceptance rate (73.8%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 9.9% at Alfred University.

SAU vs. Alfred University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Alfred 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).

• Alfred University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Alfred University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,957 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alfred University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 58%)

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.