Academic Comparison between WSU and SAU

Wayne State University and Spring Arbor University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. WSU is a four-year, public school located in Detroit, 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.

  • WSU is a public and SAU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • WSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,650) than SAU ($34,014).
  • It is harder to admit to SAU than WSU.
  • SAU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,150) than WSU (1,150).
  • WSU has more students with 23,803 students while SAU has 2,441 students.
  • SAU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while WSU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • WSU has more full-time faculties with 1,472 faculties while SAU has 71 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Wayne State Universityvs.Spring Arbor University
Detroit, MichiganLocationSpring Arbor, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$16,159
Out-Of-State$34,650
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,014
78%% Receiving Financial Aid84%
$10,661Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,428
81.16 %Acceptance Rates51.52 %
22.39 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.51 %
1,150SAT Score1,170
26ACT Score-
58 %Graduation Rate64 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
83 %Retention Rate77 %
23,803Student Population2,441
1,472Number of Faculties71
14 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