SAU vs. Saint Benedict

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than Saint Benedict based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,429 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); College of Saint Benedict is in Saint Joseph, MN (Small Suburban setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Saint Benedict is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; College of Saint Benedict 11:1.

SAU vs. Saint Benedict Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Saint Benedict? 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 Saint Benedict ($21,067 vs. $28,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 8.8% lower than at College of Saint Benedict ($11,440 vs. $12,550).
• College of Saint Benedict is 63.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $21,742 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.9% higher at Saint Benedict than at Spring Arbor University (about $21,742 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at College of Saint Benedict (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Saint Benedict students is 67.7% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($40,048 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Saint Benedict Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or Saint Benedict? 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 Saint Benedict and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Saint Benedict (1140) is 10 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; College of Saint Benedict 1048/1233.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCollege of Saint Benedict 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Saint Benedict - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saint Benedict students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at SAU (3.61).
• Saint Benedict has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 21.6% at Saint Benedict.

SAU vs. Saint Benedict Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Saint Benedict? 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).

• College of Saint Benedict's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from College of Saint Benedict earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,300 lower median loan debt than Saint Benedict graduates ($24,043 vs. $26,343).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Benedict graduates ($248 vs. $272).
• More Saint Benedict graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.