Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Spring Arbor University at a Glance
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a private Free Methodist university in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Developing from an earlier academy and junior college, in 1963 it began offering bachelor's degrees. Attaining university status in 1994, it is the second-largest evangelical Christian university in Michigan. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
1873
153 years old
$19M
$19.2 Million (2019)
2,468
1,133 undergrad · 1,335 grad
46
Identity
Is Spring Arbor University Worth It?
Spring Arbor University offers moderate value at $19,353/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,732, which is 4% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,375 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Spring Arbor University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 62 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | College of Saint Mary | 49 | $16,590 | $54,338 |
| #4 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | University of Dallas | 45 | $22,610 | $58,285 |
| #11 | Spring Arbor University | 41 | $19,353 | $51,732 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Spring Arbor University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MI.
Best Programs at Spring Arbor University
The highest-earning program at Spring Arbor University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $69,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $27,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Spring Arbor University earns $69,500, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $27,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,367 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,353/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $69,500 | $69,500 | $24,367 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,700 | $47,700 | $24,000 |
| Social Work | $29,900 | $29,900 | $26,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,900 | $27,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Spring Arbor, MI
- Student Body
- 1,010 students
- Admission Rate
- 52%
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,353
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,732
- Median Student Debt
- $26,375