Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor University, founded in 1873 in Michigan, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. The 100-acre arboretum campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in evangelical Christian tradition. Spring Arbor maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and ministry. The campus features modern facilities including the new Science Complex and the Whitaker Music and Arts Center. All students complete the Common Ground curriculum integrating faith, learning, and living.
Spring Arbor takes pride in its commitment to 'critical participation' in contemporary culture from a Christian perspective. Campus life includes chapel services, mission opportunities, and NAIA athletics. The university has expanded its online programs while maintaining its residential liberal arts core. Recent additions include the Gainey Athletic Complex and upgraded residence halls. Spring Arbor's combination of academic programs, Christian community, and beautiful campus setting creates a transformative educational experience focused on developing servant leaders.
Spring Arbor University Acceptance Rate
Spring Arbor University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Spring Arbor University (SAU) is 47.32%. This means that 47 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Spring Arbor University Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn\'t excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Spring Arbor University Admission Requirements
SAU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SAU is 3.61. SAU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.21 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into SAU Without SAT Or ACT?: Spring Arbor University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Spring Arbor University (SAU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Spring Arbor University Average SAT Score: 1078
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Spring Arbor University is 1078 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Spring Arbor University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1078 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1135 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Spring Arbor University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 970, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to SAU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Spring Arbor University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 528 | 490 | 565 |
| SAT Reading | 525 | 480 | 570 |
| SAT Composite | 1078 | 970 | 1135 |
It means that if you have scored less than 970 then you are below most of the admitted students at SAU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1135 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Spring Arbor University (SAU) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Spring Arbor University (SAU) are good but the admission staff at SAU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Spring Arbor University (SAU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SAU is 23.
Spring Arbor University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Spring Arbor University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 23 on the ACT.
Spring Arbor University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into Spring Arbor University with a 26 ACT?
With a 26 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Spring Arbor University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 23.SAU Profile
Name: Spring Arbor University (SAU)
City: Spring Arbor
State: Michigan
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 49283-9799
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from SAU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Spring Arbor University is USD: 42903. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Spring Arbor University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
25.84% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.02 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SAU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Spring Arbor University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SAU as your choice in the form.
How much a SAU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the SAU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 51732. An average SAU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Spring Arbor University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Spring Arbor University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Georgia Southern University | Georgia Southern University, GA | 1057 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Spring Arbor University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Spring Arbor University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1079 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Spring Arbor University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Arbor University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51732 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Spring Arbor University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $42903 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Spring Arbor University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Spring Arbor University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Spring Arbor University is 47.32 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Spring Arbor University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.61. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Spring Arbor University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.31, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Spring Arbor University with a 3.31 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Spring Arbor University if my GPA is below 3.21
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.61, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Spring Arbor University?
Answer: Admission to Spring Arbor University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1078 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 970-1135
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Spring Arbor University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Spring Arbor University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Spring Arbor University?
Answer: The campus culture at Spring Arbor University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Spring Arbor University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Spring Arbor University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.