About Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University brings Dominican Catholic values to 1,533 students in the small town of Adrian, Michigan. The university emphasizes service learning and community engagement through its "Veritas" program. Students choose from over 40 undergraduate programs, with education, business, and health sciences drawing the largest numbers. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that define the Saints experience.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for working families. Students pay an average net price of $17,185, well below the sticker price of nearly $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $57,529 ten years after leaving, making the typical monthly loan payment of $199 manageable for most. With 31% of students receiving Pell Grants, Siena Heights serves many first-generation college students. The median debt load of $18,750 stays reasonable compared to earnings potential.
Athletics dominate campus life with 21 varsity sports and 729 student-athletes competing at the NJCAA level. Nearly half the student body participates in sports, creating an energetic atmosphere in this town of 20,000. The 72% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction, though the 51% graduation rate suggests academic support could be stronger for struggling students.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for working families. Students pay an average net price of $17,185, well below the sticker price of nearly $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $57,529 ten years after leaving, making the typical monthly loan payment of $199 manageable for most. With 31% of students receiving Pell Grants, Siena Heights serves many first-generation college students. The median debt load of $18,750 stays reasonable compared to earnings potential.
Athletics dominate campus life with 21 varsity sports and 729 student-athletes competing at the NJCAA level. Nearly half the student body participates in sports, creating an energetic atmosphere in this town of 20,000. The 72% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction, though the 51% graduation rate suggests academic support could be stronger for struggling students.
Academics & Faculty
Siena Heights operates as a Catholic liberal arts university that emphasizes personalized attention and career preparation. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small classes where professors know students by name. However, the 51% graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees within six years. The university has built a strong reputation for its nursing program, which prepares students for Michigan's healthcare industry. Business and education programs also attract many students seeking practical career training. With 1,533 total students, class sizes remain intimate across all disciplines. The Catholic Dominican tradition shapes the curriculum with an emphasis on service learning and social justice.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.1%
- Retention Rate
- 72.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,529
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $55,338 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,198 |
| Education, General. | Master | $42,682 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
Campus Life
Adrian sits 70 miles southwest of Detroit, a small college town where 42% of students live in campus housing. Winter coats are essential as Michigan snow blankets the campus from December through March. The 55-acre campus centers around the distinctive Siena Heights, the hilltop location that gives the university its name.
With 1,533 students spread across a compact campus, the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The Saints compete in 21 varsity sports with 729 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. Weekends revolve around sporting events, residence hall activities, and trips to nearby Toledo or Ann Arbor. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and service opportunities, though students of all backgrounds attend. Nearly half the students are men, creating a balanced social environment. Adrian's downtown offers basic amenities within walking distance, but most social life happens on campus where the close-knit community of 639 residential students forms lasting friendships.
With 1,533 students spread across a compact campus, the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The Saints compete in 21 varsity sports with 729 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. Weekends revolve around sporting events, residence hall activities, and trips to nearby Toledo or Ann Arbor. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and service opportunities, though students of all backgrounds attend. Nearly half the students are men, creating a balanced social environment. Adrian's downtown offers basic amenities within walking distance, but most social life happens on campus where the close-knit community of 639 residential students forms lasting friendships.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 639 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1919
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–30°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 68.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 27.6"
Student Demographics
This Catholic university draws primarily Michigan residents who value accessible education close to home. The student body reflects the school's commitment to serving working-class families, with nearly one-third receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with Siena Heights' strong programs in education, social work, and health sciences. The diverse mix includes significant Black and Hispanic representation, reflecting the university's mission to welcome students from all backgrounds. Most students come from within driving distance, creating a tight-knit community where local connections matter.
- Men
- 45.1%
- Women
- 54.9%
- White
- 64.1%
- Black
- 13.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.1%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 81.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.9%
Location
Adrian sits in southeastern Michigan, about 70 miles southwest of Detroit and 30 miles northwest of Toledo, Ohio. The town has roughly 21,000 residents and maintains a classic small-town atmosphere in Michigan's farming region. With 81.30% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with the rural landscape of rolling hills and agricultural communities that define this part of the Midwest. Adrian offers the quiet pace of a college town without being completely isolated from urban opportunities. The campus provides housing for 639 students in a setting that blends small-town charm with easy access to larger cities. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Siena Heights University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Adrian, Michigan 49221
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,529
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,974
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $199/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Siena Heights University?
Siena Heights accepts 65% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1032. This Catholic university in Adrian attracts students seeking a small-town college experience with personalized attention.
How much does Siena Heights University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,185 annually after aid, below the sticker price of $29,778. The school keeps costs manageable with 31% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates leaving with a median debt of $18,750.
What are class sizes like at Siena Heights University?
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio among its 1,533 students, classes stay small and professors know their students personally. This Dominican-founded institution emphasizes close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.
What do graduates of Siena Heights University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $57,529 ten years after graduation with a 95.1% employment rate. The 51% graduation rate reflects the school's focus on serving first-generation college students who often balance work and family responsibilities.
Where do students live at Siena Heights University?
The campus houses 639 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Located in Adrian, Michigan, the university sits in a small town that becomes an extension of campus life for students.
Does Siena Heights University have strong athletics programs?
The Saints field 21 varsity sports with 729 total athletes competing at the NAIA level, supported by over $5.5 million in athletic scholarships. Nearly half the student body participates in athletics, making sports a central part of campus culture.
