SAU vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

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

Spring Arbor University is larger than University of Lynchburg based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 2,316 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

SAU vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg ($21,067 vs. $23,845).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 16.5% lower than at University of Lynchburg ($11,440 vs. $13,700).
• University of Lynchburg is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $2,736 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at University of Lynchburg than at Spring Arbor University (about $2,736 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at University of Lynchburg (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 10.9% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($26,491 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 20 points higher than at University of Lynchburg (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of Lynchburg (3.53).
• SAU has a higher acceptance rate (51.5%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

SAU vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and University of Lynchburg? 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).

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than University of Lynchburg's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Lynchburg earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 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 University of Lynchburg graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More University of Lynchburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.