SAU vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; DeSales University 12:1.

SAU vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or DeSales 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 DeSales University ($21,067 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 17.1% lower than at DeSales University ($11,440 vs. $13,800).
• DeSales University is 37.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $12,786 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.6% higher at DeSales University than at Spring Arbor University (about $12,786 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at DeSales University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 29.5% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($30,909 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 50 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• DeSales University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

SAU vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and DeSales 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).

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,957 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($24,043 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.