About Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is a Christian educational institution dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth. With a history dating back to 1873, SAU offers a wide range of programs both on-campus and online. The university’s online programs are designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue their education from anywhere while maintaining a high standard of quality and support.
As an online student at SAU, you can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as business, counseling, education, nursing, and social work. SAU’s online courses are delivered through a user-friendly virtual platform, fostering interactive and engaging learning experiences.
Online programs prioritize personalized attention and support. SAU offers comprehensive online resources, including virtual libraries, academic advising, and career services, to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed. Whether you are seeking to advance your career or embark on a new academic journey, SAU’s online programs offer a flexible and enriching educational experience grounded in Christian values.
Accreditation & Licensing
Spring Arbor University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Free MethodistEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,192 ; Graduate: 1,599Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 21% ; Graduate: 100%Graduation Rate:
64%Transfer Rate:
24%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$51,732Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,375Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
84%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$20,428Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Spring Arbor University
All Programs
Business
Education
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Spring Arbor can offer a workable timeline for adults who keep a job while in school. Some formats run with class one night per week, which can make steady progress possible without stopping full-time work. Time to completion is more predictable in pathways with stable requirements and fewer external placement steps.
Cost runs on the higher side. Reported pricing includes about $650 per credit hour, plus a $40 registration charge and a $100 technology fee each semester. One required three-day January residency in Jackson added roughly $1,000 in travel and lodging. In nursing pathways, self-arranged preceptors and paid preceptor hours can add both time pressure and extra out-of-pocket cost.
At Spring Arbor University, support is often strongest in class. Professors are easy to reach and care about student progress. Small classes make it easier to get help when work gets tough. That regular contact gives students clear direction and steady academic support.
Some nursing-track steps can feel less consistent. Process changes and policy shifts during progression can cause stress. Students may have very different experiences depending on the office or team they work with.
Even so, many students find strong teaching and personal faculty support at the core of the school experience.
Online classes can fit a working schedule here. A common format is class one night a week. That pace can work with full-time jobs.
The schedule is not equally flexible in every path. Some tracks include a required three-day residency in Jackson, Michigan. Christian identity is central in class culture. Students who want that focus usually fit better.
Classes at Spring Arbor feel personal and led by professors. Class sizes are small, so instructors know students by name. They stay involved beyond grading and keep close contact through the term.
Coursework is serious and writing-heavy. Many classes include papers, often five pages or more. Teaching is relationship-based, with clear course structure and steady writing expectations.
The school’s Christian mission is part of daily class life, not just a tagline. A required cross-cultural graduation trip adds a distinct academic piece. In some nursing tracks, preceptor scheduling can be frustrating, even with strong faculty support.
Spring Arbor University can feel different from student to student, but many have a strong experience. Faculty support is a real plus. Classes are often small, and professors are easy to reach. That gives courses a personal, connected feel.
The school’s Christian identity is part of daily learning and campus life. For many students, that adds purpose and community. For others, it may feel less aligned with what they want.
Cost matters here, since tuition can feel high. Some formats help working adults manage time, including one-night-per-week schedules. In some nursing tracks, requirement changes and preceptor placement can slow progress. A clear plan for credits, aid, pace, and finish time helps students stay on track.
Spring Arbor University can feel different from student to student, but many have a strong experience. Faculty support is a real plus. Classes are often small, and professors are easy to reach. That gives courses a personal, connected feel.
The school’s Christian identity is part of daily learning and campus life. For many students, that adds purpose and community. For others, it may feel less aligned with what they want.
Cost matters here, since tuition can feel high. Some formats help working adults manage time, including one-night-per-week schedules. In some nursing tracks, requirement changes and preceptor placement can slow progress. A clear plan for credits, aid, pace, and finish time helps students stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Arbor University
Is Spring Arbor University accredited?
Yes. Spring Arbor University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Spring Arbor University offer?
Spring Arbor University offers 28 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Spring Arbor University offer?
Spring Arbor University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Spring Arbor University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Spring Arbor University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Spring Arbor University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Spring Arbor University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Spring Arbor University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Spring Arbor University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Spring Arbor University military friendly?
Spring Arbor University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Spring Arbor University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Spring Arbor University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Occupational License, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Spring Arbor University accept life experience credit?
Spring Arbor University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Spring Arbor University programs fully online or mixed?
Spring Arbor University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Spring Arbor University offer?
Spring Arbor University has online program options in areas such as Nursing, Business, Education, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Spring Arbor University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Are any admission tests required for Spring Arbor University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Spring Arbor University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Spring Arbor University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Spring Arbor University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Spring Arbor University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Spring Arbor University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Spring Arbor University is featured in 15 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Spring Arbor University is located in Michigan
Michigan at a Glance:

Top Majors in Michigan:
Top Incentives in Michigan:
- Michigan Tuition Grant: Up to $3,000 annually
- Michigan Competitive Scholarship: Up to $1,500 annually
- Futures for Frontliners: Free tuition at community colleges
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