SAU vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

SAU vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or W&J? 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 W&J ($21,067 vs. $22,702).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 22.2% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($11,440 vs. $14,710).
• Spring Arbor University is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $4,622 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at SAU than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $4,622 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Washington & Jefferson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 18.5% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($23,877 vs. $20,152).

SAU vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or W&J? 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 W&J and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is the same as at W&J (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWashington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; W&J - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at W&J (3.54).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 12.6% at W&J.

SAU vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and W&J? 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 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 W&J graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.