Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is a private nonprofit university in Spring Arbor, MI ranked #624 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,010 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 51.5%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.1% first-year retention, and 651.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $19,353, about $2,355 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -41.1%, roughly 126.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,592. That's about $1,904 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 51.5%, annual tuition of $34,014, average net price of $19,353, and a national rank of #624 (Grade B+), with a 651.5% six-year graduation rate, about 1,010 undergraduates, and median earnings of $45,592 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Spring Arbor University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Spring Arbor University graduates 63.5% of students within six years and keeps 77.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Spring Arbor University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $34,014 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,440 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,880 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,703 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 28.7% of Spring Arbor University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,530 to $21,370 depending on family income. Use Spring Arbor University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,358/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,370/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,592
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,592
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $24,724
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.6%
- Employment Rate 89.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Spring Arbor University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Spring Arbor University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Spring Arbor University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Spring Arbor University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Spring Arbor University graduates earn $45,592 median, the -41.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-630
- SAT Math 470-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,010
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.1%
- Graduation Rate 651.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Spring Arbor University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Spring Arbor University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 51.5%, Spring Arbor University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 51.5% acceptance rate, Spring Arbor University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1240 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Spring Arbor University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Social Work, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.9%
- Social Work 15.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.2%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 3.6%
- Psychology, General 3.6%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.4%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,930
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,177
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $57,710
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $49,430
- 5. Social Work $48,947
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $48,173
- 7. Psychology, General $42,212
- 8. Special Education and Teaching $41,324
- 9. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $37,401
- 10. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $19,557
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $101,688
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $80,303
- 3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $65,488
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $59,950
- 5. Social Work (Master's Degree) $56,275
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $54,459
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $47,874
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $81,930—319% more than Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries ($19,557). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $101,688 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Spring Arbor University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 103 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 55 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (49 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Marketing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Special Education and Teaching
- Philosophy
- Biology, General
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Science
- International Business
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Music
- Mathematics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Journalism
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International/Global Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Political Science and Government
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Bible/Biblical Studies
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,010
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 35.2%
- Female Students 64.8%
- Caucasian 69.1%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 5.1%
- Black 6.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Spring Arbor University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Spring Arbor University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Spring Arbor University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Spring Arbor University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 64.8% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Spring Arbor University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Spring Arbor University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Spring Arbor University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -41.1% ROI. Ranked #624 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,353 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $45,592 median earnings. With 63.5% graduating within six years and 77.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Spring Arbor University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #624 ranking, Spring Arbor University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,353 annually, Spring Arbor University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,547 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -41.1% ROI and $45,592 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,353+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Spring Arbor University ranks #624 of 6101 institutions, with 749 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 63.5% six-year graduation rate sits 1.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.1% first-year retention is 0.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -41.1% return on investment is 126.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,592 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,353 is roughly $1,956 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.0% employment rate within three years sits 20.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $19,353 is about $1,956 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 28.7% trails the national share by 10.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Spring Arbor University, a private nonprofit university in Spring Arbor, MI, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #624 among 6101 schools Completion earns B, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 77.1% retention and 63.5% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -41.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,353 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,703.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $25,350 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,724 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,592 at the median. That sits about 4% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.0%.
The ROI comes in near -41.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
51.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Spring Arbor University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spring Arbor University's acceptance rate?
Spring Arbor University's acceptance rate is 51.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Spring Arbor University cost?
At Spring Arbor University, listed tuition and fees are $34,014 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,353. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Spring Arbor University's ranking?
Spring Arbor University ranks #624 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Spring Arbor University's graduation rate?
At Spring Arbor University, the six-year graduation rate is 651.5%, and first-year retention is 77.1%.
What are Spring Arbor University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Spring Arbor University report median earnings of $45,592 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Spring Arbor University's student population?
Spring Arbor University enrolls about 1,010 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Spring Arbor, MI 49283-9799
- Website springarbor.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$26.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.5%