Academic Comparison between GVSU and SAU

Grand Valley State University and Spring Arbor University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. GVSU is a four-year, public school located in Allendale, 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.

  • GVSU is a public and SAU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SAU has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,014) than GVSU ($21,894).
  • It is harder to admit to SAU than GVSU.
  • SAU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than GVSU (1,060).
  • GVSU has more students with 22,011 students while SAU has 2,441 students.
  • SAU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while GVSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,129 faculties while SAU has 71 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Grand Valley State Universityvs.Spring Arbor University
Allendale, MichiganLocationSpring Arbor, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,014
75%% Receiving Financial Aid84%
$9,731Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,428
83.02 %Acceptance Rates51.52 %
18.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.51 %
1,060SAT Score1,170
26ACT Score-
67 %Graduation Rate64 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
76 %Retention Rate77 %
22,011Student Population2,441
1,129Number of Faculties71
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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