Academic Comparison between SAU and Northern Michigan University

Spring Arbor University and Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University is a four-year, public school located in Marquette, 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 Northern Michigan University is a public 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

Spring Arbor Universityvs.Northern Michigan University
Spring Arbor, MichiganLocationMarquette, 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 ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
$32,5802024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,622
Out-Of-State$19,244
77%% Receiving Financial Aid98%
$17,775Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,962
37.01 %Acceptance Rates69.99 %
18.04 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)31.99 %
1,060SAT Score-
23ACT Score-
60 %Graduation Rate52 %
28 %Transfer-out Rate-
68 %Retention Rate73 %
2,396Student Population6,970
82Number of Faculties296
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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