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Spring Arbor University

Christian college

#4 Best online Christian colleges in America

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Free Methodist Church (affiliated) · Methodist and Wesleyan

Real cost

Average price after aid $19,353 a year

Median debt at graduation: $26,375 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Spring Arbor University is a Christian liberal arts university in Spring Arbor, Michigan, affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. Chapel is held twice a week, the general education core includes two Bible survey courses and three faith-focused core courses, and a Christian Ministry major is offered.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “Every first Wednesday in October, classes pause as students, faculty, and staff step out together to serve in the Spring Arbor and Jackson communities.”

    Source: springarbor.edu

  • “Living out our call to be the hands and feet of Christ.”

    Source: springarbor.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel is held twice each week for students, faculty and staff to worship together.

Source: springarbor.edu
Where do I find community?

There are multiple Bible study opportunities to grow in faith.

Source: springarbor.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

SAU sends several spring break mission trip groups across the country each year.

Source: springarbor.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 4 more

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
65 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.64%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,170
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$5,867

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Chapel is held twice each week.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Held twice each week, Chapel is a time for students, faculty, and staff to pause, reflect, and worship together.”
      Chapel is held twice a week for students, faculty and staff.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “University Chaplain, Rob Link”
      Rob Link is the University Chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “It’s a sacred space where hearts are transformed, relationships with Christ are strengthened”
      Chapel is a worship space on campus.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

91 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Two Bible survey courses (BIB 217 and BIB 218) are required in the general education curriculum. The catalog allows one of the two to be waived with 58 transfer credits.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements - Main Campus | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=1125 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 217 - Survey of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3”
      Survey of the Old Testament is a required Bible course.
      “BIB 218 - Survey of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3”
      Survey of the New Testament is a required Bible course.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Survey of the Old Testament and Survey of the New Testament are both required, with the same transfer-credit waiver.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements - Main Campus | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=1125 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 217 - Survey of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3”
      Survey of the Old Testament is a required Bible course.
      “BIB 218 - Survey of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3”
      Survey of the New Testament is a required Bible course.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Statement of Beliefs | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/about/offices-and-schools/human-resources/beliefs.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian perspective curriculum is pervasive, touching every aspect of academic life”
      The Christian perspective is described as pervasive across the curriculum.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Christian Ministry (B.A.) is an undergraduate major.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Programs | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=351 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Ministry (B.A.)”
      A Christian Ministry (B.A.) major is offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Values | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/about/mission-values.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We believe in the Holy Bible as the uniquely inspired and authoritative Word of God”
      The university publishes a statement of faith.
CChristian community: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

66 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One professional chaplain is named on the spiritual life page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “University Chaplain, Rob Link”
      Rob Link is the University Chaplain.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (A rooted retreat is held each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year we will look at different facets of what it means to be rooted in Christ.”
      A rooted retreat is held each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (The spiritual life page describes multiple Bible study opportunities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Bible Studies There are multiple opportunities to grow in your faith at SAU!”
      Multiple Bible study opportunities are offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At SAU, our spiritual life is centered around giving you opportunities to learn, grow, and live out your faith in unique ways that impact the world around you.”
      A spiritual life office and ministry team serves students.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

89 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Several spring break mission trip groups are sent each year (the rubric label is 'many each year').)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year, SAU sends several spring break mission trip groups to locations across the country.”
      Several spring break mission trip groups go out each year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spring Arbor and Jackson - working with local missions”
      One of the 2026 mission options works with local missions in Spring Arbor and Jackson.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Cross Cultural Studies (COR 374/375) is required for students who enter with fewer than 58 transfer credits.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Cross Cultural Requirement | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=350 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “COR 374 /COR 375 Cross Cultural Studies (CCS) is required for all campus students who matriculate to SAU with fewer than 58 post-high school transfer credit hours.”
      Cross Cultural Studies is required for most entering students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Living out our call to be the hands and feet of Christ.”
      Service is presented as living out the call to follow Christ.
      “Every first Wednesday in October, classes pause as students, faculty, and staff step out together to serve in the Spring Arbor and Jackson communities.”
      SAU Serves is an annual service day in which classes pause.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held twice each week as a worship time for the whole campus community.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Held twice each week, Chapel is a time for students, faculty, and staff to pause, reflect, and worship together.”
      Chapel is held twice a week for students, faculty and staff.
  • Three faith-focused core courses are required of all students, and the core states that the Christian perspective is pervasive.
    Sources (2)
    1. General Education Requirements - Main Campus | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=1125 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “COR 200 - Christ and Culture Credit Hours: 2”
      COR 200 Christ and Culture is a required core course.
      “COR 300 - Christian Faith and Community Credit Hours: 2”
      COR 300 Christian Faith and Community is a required core course.
      “COR 400 - Christian Life and Vocation Credit Hours: 2”
      COR 400 Christian Life and Vocation is a required core course.
    2. Statement of Beliefs | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/about/offices-and-schools/human-resources/beliefs.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian perspective curriculum is pervasive, touching every aspect of academic life”
      The Christian perspective is described as pervasive across the curriculum.
  • The university publishes a statement of faith, and a Christian Ministry major is offered.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission & Values | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/about/mission-values.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We believe in the Holy Bible as the uniquely inspired and authoritative Word of God”
      The university publishes a statement of faith.
    2. Academic Programs | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=351 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Ministry (B.A.)”
      A Christian Ministry (B.A.) major is offered.
  • Several spring break mission trip groups are sent each year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year, SAU sends several spring break mission trip groups to locations across the country.”
      Several spring break mission trip groups go out each year.

Concerns

  • Only one professional chaplain is named on the official spiritual life page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “University Chaplain, Rob Link”
      Rob Link is the University Chaplain.
  • Two Bible courses are required, and one of them may be waived with transfer credit.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements - Main Campus | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.arbor.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=1125 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 217 - Survey of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3”
      Survey of the Old Testament is a required Bible course.
      “BIB 218 - Survey of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3”
      Survey of the New Testament is a required Bible course.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life, Spring Arbor University

  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

Source: springarbor.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, springarbor.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Spiritual Life | Spring Arbor Universityspringarbor.edu/student-life/spiritual-life.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “At SAU, our spiritual life is centered around giving you opportunities to learn, grow, and live out your faith in unique ways that impact the world around you.”
    A spiritual life office and ministry team serves students.
    “University Chaplain, Rob Link”
    Rob Link is the University Chaplain.

Christian clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus

Retreats 1

  • Rooted RetreatsOff campus
    Yearly (November in 2025)
    Annual retreat centered on Spring Arbor University's Grow Deep Roots theme, held at Michindoh Conference Center.
    springarbor.edu

Service 2

  • Spring Break Mission TripsOff campus
    Spring break
    Several mission trip groups each year, to locations across the country.
    springarbor.edu
  • SAU ServesOn campus
    First Wednesday of October
    Classes pause as students, faculty and staff serve the Spring Arbor and Jackson communities.
    springarbor.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$14,530
$30,001–$48,000$15,697
$48,001–$75,000$16,197
$75,001–$110,000$19,358
Over $110,000$21,370

Full cost of attendance before aid: $44,703 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,091
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 35% · Women 65%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
35%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
16%
Total students2,390
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$19,353
Cost of attendance (per year)$44,703
Median federal debt at graduation$26,375
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
64%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
47%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
48%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
58%
First-year retention77%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$51,732
Admission rate52%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$30
Students receiving Pell grants29%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1010–1240
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1170
SAT reading & writing540–630
SAT math470–610
ACT composite—
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 63 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$91,869
Accounting$66,338
Business administration$62,928
Liberal arts$50,735
Social work$49,642
Family and human development$48,809
Secondary education$47,270
Fine arts$43,021
Special education$42,461
Psychology$41,167
Pastoral counseling$36,814

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biological and physical sciences, Biology, Broadcasting, Chemistry, Communication studies, Computer science, Criminal justice, Design, Engineering Physics, English, Film and video, Finance, Global studies, Health administration, History, Human services, International business, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Management information systems, Management science, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Other social sciences, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Public relations, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Social sciences, Sociology, Teacher education, Theatre, Theology, Urban Studies/Affairs, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Public administration and social service21%
Business19%
Health professions12%
Education11%
Parks, recreation and fitness7%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingRural
Part-time undergraduates11%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older18%
On-campus room and board (per year)$11,440
SportsNAIA · Crossroads League
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member12 to 1
Faculty who are full-time27%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$12,349IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 89% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceCapital Region International Airport (LAN)About 39 miles away
Nearest major airportDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)About 62 miles away
Town population2,275Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreToledoAbout 63 miles away
Typical weather24°F in January · 72°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Jackson Reynolds Field, MI, about 6 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Spring Arbor University a Christian college?
Yes. Spring Arbor University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Free Methodist Church (affiliated).
What is Spring Arbor University’s Compass Score?
78 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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