Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Spring Arbor, Michigan |
| Online | arbor.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Small Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Free Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Spring Arbor University is a private Free Methodist institution located in Spring Arbor, Michigan, approximately 80 miles west of Detroit and 8 miles southwest of Jackson. Established in 1873 as a seminary, the institution evolved into a junior college in 1923 and achieved full university status in 1994. The 100-acre rural campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings surrounded by wooded areas and open spaces, with most undergraduate students residing in on-campus housing. The university maintains its Christian liberal arts focus while offering undergraduate programs in education, business, nursing, and social work, along with graduate programs including an MBA and Master of Social Work. As a member of the NAIA, Spring Arbor fields athletic teams known as the Cougars, competing primarily in the Crossroads League.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SAU is rated within the top 48% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Spring Arbor University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#553 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#384 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in Michigan
#8 in Best Private Colleges in Michigan
#414 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Value Colleges in Michigan
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 935/1165 |
| ACT | 17/25 |
| GPA | 3.61 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | High |
| Application Fee | $30 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $640 |
| Room and Board | $10,960 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,780 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,120 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 31% |
| Work and Family Studies | 14% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Education | 10% |
| Human Services | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering SAU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=172334 IPEDS survey data for Spring Arbor University.
Current students may use the Spring Arbor University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025