At $20,899/yr net price, Spring Arbor University graduates earn $51,732/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,732/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,899 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,732/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,732/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,569/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,940/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,556/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,635/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,328/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,790 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $26,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,673 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $44,092 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $28,360 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $29,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $27,125 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 | $25,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
59.9% of students at Spring Arbor University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Spring Arbor University delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation by major. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $72,790 annually against just $25,000 in debt, creating one of the strongest ROI profiles among private colleges in Michigan. Business administration graduates also fare well at $53,358, though other programs lag behind.
Education majors face the weakest financial prospects, earning just $37,424 while carrying $28,360 in debt. This represents a concerning debt-to-income ratio for a field with limited earning growth. Liberal arts graduates earn $44,092 but exact debt figures remain unclear, making this path financially uncertain.
The 59.90% graduation rate creates substantial completion risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. The 73.57% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to transfer or drop out early.
Spring Arbor works best financially if you can access the nursing program or plan to study business. The school's Christian mission and small size may justify higher costs for students seeking that environment, but you need realistic career expectations. Education and liberal arts majors should carefully consider whether the debt load makes sense given regional teacher salaries in Michigan.
With only 25.91% of students receiving federal aid, many families pay closer to full price. Merit scholarships may be available, but the school's limited endowment likely constrains generous aid packages. You should negotiate aggressively on financial aid and compare offers from similar Christian colleges with stronger completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spring Arbor University worth the cost?
Spring Arbor University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing programs lead to strong earnings at $72,790, but liberal arts graduates earn only $44,092 against $26,375 in median debt.
What are the best paying majors at Spring Arbor University?
Nursing programs at Spring Arbor University offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $72,790 annually. Business administration graduates earn $53,358, while education majors earn just $37,424.
How much debt do Spring Arbor University graduates have?
Spring Arbor University graduates carry a median debt of $26,375. With average earnings of $51,732 ten years after graduation, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most programs.
Does Spring Arbor University have good job placement rates?
Spring Arbor University has a 59.90% graduation rate, which is below the national average. The school's career outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing and business showing stronger employment prospects than liberal arts.