Academic Comparison between Northern Michigan University and SAU

Northern Michigan University and Spring Arbor University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Michigan University is a four-year, public school located in Marquette, MI and SAU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Spring Arbor, MI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Northern Michigan University is a public and SAU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SAU has more expensive tuition & fees ($32,580) than Northern Michigan University ($19,244).
  • It is harder to admit to SAU than Northern Michigan University.
  • Northern Michigan University has more students with 6,970 students while SAU has 2,396 students.
  • SAU has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Northern Michigan University's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Northern Michigan University has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while SAU has 82 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Michigan Universityvs.Spring Arbor University
Marquette, MichiganLocationSpring Arbor, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$13,622
Out-Of-State$19,244
2024 Tuition & Fees$32,580
98%% Receiving Financial Aid77%
$7,962Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,775
69.99 %Acceptance Rates37.01 %
31.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.04 %
-SAT Score1,060
-ACT Score23
52 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate28 %
73 %Retention Rate68 %
6,970Student Population2,396
296Number of Faculties82
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services