About Spring Arbor University
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,899 after aid, well below the sticker price of $32,580. However, graduates earn a median of $51,732 ten years after graduation, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio with typical debt loads of $26,375. The 59.9% graduation rate suggests not all students complete their programs, though 97.7% of graduates find employment. Monthly loan payments average $280, which represents a significant portion of early-career earnings.
Athletics play a major role in campus culture, with 436 student-athletes competing across 16 varsity sports at the NJCAA level. The school awards $3.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. Women outnumber men at 63% to 37%, creating a campus active that prospective male students should consider. The 74% retention rate indicates most students who start here want to stay.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.9%
- Retention Rate
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,732
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,790 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,673 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $44,092 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,424 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. Women make up 62.93% of the student body, contributing to the campus's collaborative atmosphere. Weekend activities center around the Free Methodist heritage, with chapel services and faith-based programming playing central roles. Students participate in 16 varsity sports as the Cougars, with 436 total athletes representing nearly half the student population. The rural setting means students create their own entertainment through residence hall activities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby cities. The close community bonds formed here reflect in the school's retention rate of 73.57%.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 966 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–31°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.1%
- Women
- 62.9%
- White
- 71.1%
- Black
- 6.9%
- Hispanic
- 6.3%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 86.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.9%
Location
- Address
- Spring Arbor, Michigan 49283-9799
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,732
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,641
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $280/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,375
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Spring Arbor University?
Spring Arbor University accepts 47% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian liberal arts school. The average SAT score is 1053, reflecting the university's commitment to balancing academic standards with its mission of serving students seeking faith-integrated education.
How much does Spring Arbor University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,899 annually, less than the full tuition of $32,580. The university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $20,677 to help make its Christian education more accessible to families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Spring Arbor University?
The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, ensuring personalized attention in a close-knit academic environment. With only 990 total students, the university maintains the intimate feel typical of Free Methodist institutions focused on well-rounded student development.
What are the graduation rates at Spring Arbor University?
About 60% of students graduate within six years, which is solid for a small Christian university. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,732 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical value of the liberal arts education combined with career preparation.
Where is Spring Arbor University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Spring Arbor, Michigan, with housing capacity for 966 students serving the 990 total enrollment. About 86% of students are from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere rooted in Free Methodist values and traditions.
Does Spring Arbor University have strong athletics programs?
The Cougars compete in 16 varsity sports with 436 total athletes participating in NJCAA competition. The university awards $3.5 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating a significant commitment to developing student-athletes within its Christian framework.
