SAU vs. MLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Martin Luther College is in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Martin Luther College 10:1.

SAU vs. MLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or MLC? 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 Martin Luther College than SAU ($18,974 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 30.9% lower than at Spring Arbor University ($7,900 vs. $11,440).
• Spring Arbor University is 87.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MLC (about $15,894 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.7% higher at SAU than at Martin Luther College (about $15,894 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Martin Luther College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 132.4% larger than aid received by Martin Luther College students ($23,877 vs. $10,276).

SAU vs. MLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 40 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Martin Luther College 1078/1256.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMartin Luther College 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); MLC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at MLC (3.56).
• MLC has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 88.3% at MLC.

SAU vs. MLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and MLC? 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).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Spring Arbor University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Martin Luther College graduates have a $918 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($23,125 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, MLC graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($239 vs. $248).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.