Academic Comparison between MTU and SAU

Michigan Technological University and Spring Arbor University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MTU is a four-year, public school located in Houghton, 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.

  • MTU is a public and SAU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • MTU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,807) than SAU ($34,014).
  • It is harder to admit to SAU than MTU.
  • MTU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,240) than SAU (1,170).
  • MTU has more students with 7,403 students while SAU has 2,441 students.
  • SAU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while MTU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • MTU has more full-time faculties with 401 faculties while SAU has 71 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan Technological Universityvs.Spring Arbor University
Houghton, MichiganLocationSpring Arbor, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$20,532
Out-Of-State$44,807
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,014
91%% Receiving Financial Aid84%
$16,876Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,428
92.43 %Acceptance Rates51.52 %
12.93 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.51 %
1,240SAT Score1,170
28ACT Score-
68 %Graduation Rate64 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
89 %Retention Rate77 %
7,403Student Population2,441
401Number of Faculties71
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial 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