University of South Alabama vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Alabama is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than University of South Alabama ($11,546 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 7.9% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($11,366 vs. $12,340).
• Saginaw Valley State University is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $2,814 more per year; $12,930.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.5% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at University of South Alabama (about $11,358 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at University of South Alabama (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 44.8% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($13,512 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 30 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Saginaw Valley State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Saginaw Valley State University (3.48).
• Saginaw Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.1%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

University of South Alabama vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama and Saginaw Valley State 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).

• The graduation rate at University of South Alabama is the same as at Saginaw Valley State University (39% vs. 39%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Saginaw Valley State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 45%)

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.