SAU vs. Saint Francis University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Francis University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (2,963 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Saint Francis University is in Loretto, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Francis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Saint Francis University 16:1.

SAU vs. Saint Francis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University ($21,067 vs. $28,326).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 15.3% lower than at Saint Francis University ($11,440 vs. $13,500).
• Saint Francis University is 29.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $9,986 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.4% higher at Saint Francis University than at Spring Arbor University (about $9,986 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Saint Francis University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Francis University students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($31,610 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Saint Francis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Francis University (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; Saint Francis University 1050/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSaint Francis University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Saint Francis University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saint Francis University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at SAU (3.61).
• Saint Francis University has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 19.6% at Saint Francis University.

SAU vs. Saint Francis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Saint Francis 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).

• Saint Francis University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Saint Francis University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 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 Saint Francis University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Francis University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Saint Francis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.