Academic Comparison between SAU and GVSU

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

  • SAU is a private (not-for-profit) and GVSU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • SAU has more expensive tuition & fees ($32,580) than GVSU ($21,154).
  • It is harder to admit to SAU than GVSU.
  • GVSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than SAU (1,060).
  • GVSU has higher submitted ACT score (23) than SAU (23).
  • GVSU has more students with 21,648 students while SAU has 2,396 students.
  • SAU has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while GVSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,101 faculties while SAU has 82 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Spring Arbor Universityvs.Grand Valley State University
Spring Arbor, MichiganLocationAllendale, Michigan
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$32,5802024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,978
Out-Of-State$21,154
77%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$17,775Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,921
37.01 %Acceptance Rates95.00 %
18.04 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.00 %
1,060SAT Score1,070
23ACT Score24
60 %Graduation Rate66 %
28 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
68 %Retention Rate79 %
2,396Student Population21,648
82Number of Faculties1,101
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare