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Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Saginaw Valley State University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Saginaw Valley State University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Saginaw Valley State University reviews, or contribute your own Saginaw Valley State University review if you're a current student there.

  • 11 out of 11 people found this review useful.

    Chelsie from Chesaning, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    SVSU is a great university. I came from a small town and didn't have any trouble adjusting to college life. The class sizes are small, the professors work with you and help you understand the material, the campus is always growing, and not to mention, the housing is fantastic! Some of the best in Michigan! SVSU also offers many scholarships to students and financial aid as well. Overall, it is great to be a cardinal!!

  • 12 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    from elkton, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Class sizes are pretty close to high school, there are plenty of opportunities to get help from the professors.

    Am enjoying being here

    The dorms/living centers are great! Brand new and air conditioned!

    Tips for prospective students

    If you apply during your campus tour, you will save the admittance fee.

    Great for these types of students

    SVSU has something for everyone!

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    K from Waterford, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Tons of opportunities for extra help if need be.

    Am enjoying being here

    I love being here! The campus is so beautiful! They have everything here that you need within two miles.

    Bang for the buck

    Such an affordable school with so many extras!

    Tips for prospective students

    Small campus atmosphere but really a medium sized college. Everything is within walking distance.

    Great for these types of students

    SVSU is great for people who like to save money maybe for graduate school :)

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Samantha from Detroit, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Saginaw Valley State University is a great school. The classes have the right amount of students in them. You are able to learn what you need to learn and the professors will work with you. So when choosing Saginaw Valley State University, i think you will make the right decision.

    Am enjoying being here

    It has a nice size population, the college is resting in a decent area. They have a bus system that will take you off campus if you don't drive. And there are friendly students as well as faculty. I have no problem with anyone.

    Bang for the buck

    You get what you're paying for. The food is great. The living condition is outstanding. You have your own kitchen, equipped with a stove, microwave refrigerator, and sink! Take some time out the day to go chill in the game room, which is free to students.

    Tips for prospective students

    Tour the campus.
    See what they have to offer.
    Look at the population and cost of living and see how the living situation is.
    Then look at the programs, and accreditations.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Tyler from Croswell, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    I've had good academics all throughout high school, so I didn't know what to expect at a college level. Although I had to put in more effort and cut back precious sleep to get in some extra study time – something I didn't have to do in high school, I managed to take a lot from my classes and apply it to real life. I find myself using what I've learned in most classes in real life on a day to day basis.

    Am enjoying being here

    First going in I figured a college with 10,000 was huge, but it's really not all that bad. It's the perfect amount of people to where you can network with new people anytime you please. There's lots of organizations of every type of imaginable, and I highly recommend getting involved with at least one of them.

    Bang for the buck

    Cheapest public university in the state of Michigan. Dorms are definitely above and beyond what other universities provide for their students. Although, tuition rates are on a constant rise everywhere now-a-days, if anyone could put a price on the college experience, SVSU has the best value.

    Tips for prospective students

    Use your resources. If you're struggling or worried about struggling use all the tutoring programs the university provides for free. Use the Writing Center for help with papers. Use the Technology Center for help with...well technology, of course!
    Get involved. It's hard to get the motivation to do it, and can seem pretty scary to do it. But it's a great way to network and develop friendships that will last throughout your college experience. (And it could look good on a resume, too!)

    Great for these types of students

    Those looking for a cheaper college.
    Those looking for better housing accommodations.
    Those looking to be a person to a professor, not a number.
    Those looking for a friendly atmosphere.
    Those looking to be a Cardinal.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Brianna from Washington, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Universities have high expectations for students and Saginaw Valley State University is not an exception. The classrooms hold a maximum of 25 students and lecture halls hold a maximum of 60 students. With small class sizes, the professors are able to give one on one attention to students. The professors at Saginaw have a passion for what they do and are willing to help you during their office hours. The professors will get to know you by the end of the semester. There is tutoring offered on campus for just about every subject and it is free for students. With this type of attention offered at this university, a student learns a lot in the class. A student grows outside the classroom and learns to become more independent.

    Am enjoying being here

    Saginaw Valley State University has a lot to offer. This university offers over 250 registered organizations on campus, there is at least 1 program going on every month that students can participate in, sports events are free for students, everyone is friendly on campus and supportive, everything on campus is walking distance, and the housing on campus is one of the best in the state of Michigan.

    Bang for the buck

    Saginaw Valley State University is one of the cheapest Universities in the state of Michigan. Tuition covers tutoring, printer balance, fitness facility, the classes that a student is taking, sport events, and other costs. Saginaw offers meal plans to make sure that students do not starve and have multiple food places on campus. Just out of warning, some of the food places on campus are more expensive than Meijer’s and Walmart. Saginaw offers apartment style housing providing a microwave, oven, stove, refrigerator and freezer, bathroom, kitchen table and chairs, couch, T.V stand, beds, desks, closets, and small dressers. Saginaw stretches the dollar bill compare to other Universities.

    Tips for prospective students

    Students need to look at different universities first before they make a final decision. A medium size university might seem great at first but the idea can change. Tour campuses first before making a final decision on which university a student wants to attend. If a prospective student knows what career they want to get into then search for a college that offers the career. Universities have higher expectations and standards for students to work hard, expect to lose sleep, have to be in control and independent of their schedule, always carry a planner around, and join at least one group on campus but not more than two. Always keep in mind that school comes first and extracurricular activities come second.

    Great for these types of students

    Saginaw Valley State University is great for high school students who come from small communities and for students who have disabilities.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Allison from Marlette, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am enjoying being here

    I believe that SVSU is the best choice I made. I am having an amazing time here and couldn't imagine going to any other university. I am involved in about four extra curricular groups and living on campus really adds to the experience. I try to be as involved as I can, but still save time for homework.

    Bang for the buck

    I am a presidential scholarship recipient, so the only fees I have to worry about are housing and my payments haven't been too bad so far.

    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved, go to events especially when free t-shirts are offered, take your time walking to places because you will always see someone you know, go to sports events, enjoy yourself.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Jasmine from Detroit, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Time management is the key to your success.

    Am enjoying being here

    There is so much that you can get involved in.

    Bang for the buck

    Cheapest College in Michigan

    Tips for prospective students

    Saginaw Valley State University is a great university. SVSU has so much to offer. Theres a variety of things that you can get involved in and make yourself known. The campus is very well kept together and small enough for you to stay inside during the winter. The atmosphere of SVSU is very friendly. You can easily make friends and don't have to worry about going anywhere alone. The class sizes are just like high school with an average size of 30 students. If you aren't understanding the material feel free to contact your professor or even get a tutor. I will advise if you are having difficulty to get assistance immediately. Everything on campus is for you to use so take advantage of all the resources around you.

    Great for these types of students

    Tour the campus and see if this is the college for you before you make a decision. Focus on your courses and please use all of your RESOURCES!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Erica from Chesterfield, MI

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    Saginaw Valley is a very small college which gives you the option for one on one time with your professors. I enjoyed all of my classes at SVSU and the professors were amazing and very helpful. The professors do a great job on easing you into your college experience. Academics are very good and if you plan on going away but don't want to attend a large university Saginaw Valley is a great choice.

    Did enjoy being here

    I transferred back home after the fall semester of 2009. I enjoyed going to my classes. Although, i am more of a home person and did not enjoy being away from home. Another added stress was my roommates and i did not get along very well.

    Bang for the buck

    Saginaw Valley's cost for tuition was in the average range of most universities, although there books are quite expensive. My one semester at SVSU did cost me around $9,000.00.

    Tips for prospective students

    The dorms are absolutely beautiful and the college is very diverse. One of my favorite things about SVSU was the people on campus are very friendly. Don't overload yourself in your first semester at college. Lastly, always make sure you check out your professors on ratemyprofessor!

    Great for these types of students

    Students who want to go away to college but do not want to attend a large university and students who want to live in beautiful and large dorms!

  • 4 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Michael from Saginaw, MI

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    SVSU is a great college. Everyone is friendly & willing to help you. To top it off its cheap!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Mackenzie from Brockway

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Sounds like i will learn a lot.

    Will enjoy being here

    yes

    Bang for the buck

    very good pricing

    Tips for prospective students

    I hope i get on...

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Shannon from Sterling Heights, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Saginaw Valley professors have so much to teach you! They always make themselves available if you need help! Many have experience not only as professors, but in other areas of their fields therefore it shows students all the things their education can do for them.

    Am enjoying being here

    I love everything about this university! The campus is smaller, therefore it is difficult to get lost. The dorms are nicely set up and furnished. The walk from any dorm to the main buildings of campus is 10 minutes maximum. That being said, this smaller school doesn't have the small school feel meaning that not everyone knows everyone nor does every student know everything about others.

    Bang for the buck

    As many people have said, Saginaw Valley is the cheapest public university in the state. Therefore, students receive a university level education for less than other universities.

    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely take a tour of the campus before you apply, are accepted, or commit to going there. Some people don't like the fact that the campus is so small or that it is basically in the middle of fields. Don't let that fool you though, it is still really close to shopping and the highways. I would also recommend that if you do commit to SVSU, that you set an earlier orientation date if possible because that allows the maximum time to get prepared for the upcoming year.

    Great for these types of students

    SVSU is great for students who prefer small campuses in a more suburban/edge of rural setting. It is great for those who want to pay less for what many are paying more for. SVSU is known for its Education program as well as its growing Nursing program, so students interested in those fields should give SVSU a chance.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Cayhleen from Saginaw, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There are a lot of wonderful teachers here at SVSU. Of course there are still a few at svsu that you want to avoid just like in any other school but so far most of my teachers have been wonderful and know how to teach so you understand the material.

    Am enjoying being here

    There is so much to do for people who live on campus and off campus. There are always plenty of activities for everyone to do. There are also plenty of places around campus to get something to eat.

    Tips for prospective students

    Try and get involved and get to know other people. Once you have your schedule make sure to explore svsu. It's almost always open except for some holidays so you can pretty much get into any building and find your classes.

    Great for these types of students

    As long as you are willing to do the work and attend classes this is a wonderful place to be. They have a lot of majors and minors and some graduate courses as well. So is doesn't matter what you're interested in. Also if you like smaller classes svsu is the perfect place to attend.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Rachel from Bay City, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am currently in 14 credits and I am signed up to take 15 credits in Winter 2010. I am learning a lot at Saginaw Valley. I am taking classes that are not similar so I am in classses I have never taken before. I have learned a lot about Political Science and Communications. I have improved my writing in my English class and there is the Writing Center which is a great resource.

    Am enjoying being here

    I can live at home and still have a great college experience. For me Saginaw Valley is great because I can get my degree from there. I can be in clubs and extracurriculars and still focus on my school work.

    Bang for the buck

    There are many scholarship opportunities. It is cheaper then many other schools although living on campus is not cheap. There are perks such as free parking and free use of the fitness center.

    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early and decide early. You will get more benefits if you decide to go there early. Also you can get a chance at campus scholarships if you make the decision fast. Also use the resources at school you can get 400 free prints and in college you need to print almost everything. The library is great, as well as the math and writing centers.

    Great for these types of students

    It is great for students going into the medical field because of the new building that was just built. It is especially good for nursing because there are opportunities for nursing students. It is good for a student starting out because the class sizes are small and the campus is easy to navigate around on. It is good for business majors and education majors as well.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Payton from Lapeer, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    SVSU is amazing. I love it here. I'm a commuter and i drive 45 minutes to go to SVSU. I love my professors and my classes. This school really suites me and I think that this school is for any type of student. You should sign up for a tour and get a look around campus and you'll see how beautiful everything is and accessible everything is.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Ashley from Midland, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Do not wait until the last minute to study/get help. Also, ask your professor questions if you do not understand the material.

  • 4 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Stephanie from Livonia, MI

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    REMEMBER TO STAY FOCUSED!!!

  • 4 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Alicia from Southfield, MI

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • Dominique from Saginaw, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    saginaw valley has great cafeteria food. there are a lot of activities on campus that you can enjoy. they are also located near shopping centers and a bus line to get you back and forth.

    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you study and talk to your professors as much as possible. if you can not attend class for any reason let your professors know and most of them will work with you. have fun and enjoy college life but also work hard to obtain your degree.

    Academic Rigor

    academically this school challenges you and you will know whats best for you before its too late. if your undecided in your major you will have it figured out by the end of your first year. hopefully!!

    Dorm Life

    i never stayed in a dorm but i had friends that were in dorms and we had a lot of fun. dorm life is fun because you get to meet different people and expand your social connections. i wish i had the opportunity so if you do enjoy it.

    Food and Dining

    i have been at saginaw valley since 2007 and they have different varieties of food available. they are open at different hours through the night to make it more convenient for students.best school food i have ever had.

    What to do for fun

    saginaw valley always have something going on through the week for students, friends, and family to enjoy. they have parties, social groups, and just plenty of activities to do with your friends or family when they come to visit.

    Bang for the buck

    college is not cheap. you get what you pay for!!

    Campus Safety

    there is a mini police station located on campus if there are any emergency's. they also have buttons that are located in the parking areas just in case any situations occur. i feel safe all the time!!

  • Monica M. Ginop

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    Some professors are awful to take and it will show in your final grade. They will effect your grade. Even if you like the class and know what you are doing you could still get a low grade.

    Dorm Life

    I would recommend living on campus for you first year. It is a great way to become familiar with the campus and meet a lot of people and maybe a way to get involved in some clubs also.

    Food and Dining

    The food is good but some of it may be expensive. Bring your own snacks and drinks to class if you can.

    Greek Life

    Greek life is very small and does not compare to other universities.

  • Annonymous from Saginaw, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    a lot of information is packed over a course of a semester but the professors make it interesting to learn and easy to follow along which is great to obtain the information. some teachers just expect you to show up to class, listen, and take notes, while others do more online work which is relatively more easy and convenient. always open to taking students questions and gives opportunities to get a better grade on assignments.

    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is rather big and beautiful at all times. Always clean and everyone around campus is friendly which makes for a positive atmosphere. The library is 4 great floors high packed with all kinds of information as well as the student help writing center. Tutoring centers are also a plus for any class/major. Food is great also, real homecooked favorites can be found in the RFOC(Real Food On Campus).

    Bang for the buck

    great resources are available such as the library, tutoring centers, writing center, and academic help. dorms are some of the best, apartment style, relatively big too. several places to eat such as the main cafeteria(doan or rfoc), papa johns right next to the small convenient store, einsteins bagels, and a variety of healthy alternatives at the other food court. gym offers a lot of recreational activites and new workout equipment on both levels of floors. enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities.

    Tips for prospective students

    take a tour of the campus to see if its right for you, talk with an academic advisor and the office of financial aid/scholarships to see if svsu is the school for you. talk with other students as well, meet with your major advisor(if you have one) to get help with your career path and which classes to take.

    Great for these types of students

    all types of students can fit in at this school, whether youre the outgoing active type or more quiet and chill. it's relatively quiet and calm around campus so theres always a great place to sit and think in your favorite spot. svsu offers lots of activities, clubs, and school functions so being on campus is never boring. everyone is amiable so making friends is easy!

  • Letrice from Detroit, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In all honestly, I hate giving my opinion on things because my experience is different from other people. However, I love the fact that the class sizes are small, so your prof has a better chance of getting to know you.

    Am enjoying being here

    Aside from the fact that SVSU really isn't in a college town, it is a cool little place. When you live on campus it allows you to get involved in things and it honestly is what you make of it.

    Bang for the buck

    It is the cheapest school in Michigan and it also has the best housing. No other school in Michigan is going to give you a nice place.

    Tips for prospective students

    College, just like high school, is one of the best times of your life. However, the people and the relationships will either be broken or will grow stronger. Additionally, college isn't for everyone, but don't let the independence of college get in the way of the true goal of what you came here for and that is to eventually graduate.

    Great for these types of students

    Honestly, I have heard that SVSU is great for education and nursing majors.

  • James from Prescott, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have had to work extra hard because my High School Whittemore-Prescott is very behind in its education with other schools in the state of Michigan.

    Am enjoying being here

    I have enjoyed being here, and have met many new friends. These will be times that i will remember forever.

    Tips for prospective students

    I believe that school is very fake especially when it comes to them caring for the student, they show very mean and threatening tactics in concern about receiving your tuition, and room and board payments, They threaten with eviction and expulsion from school during finals or times when studies should be number one. They have no care but for collections of funds due. This plays very hard on me, while trying to study. Make sure you have all accounts current and paid, their will be no exceptions to their rules!!!!!!!
    I also had one bad experience while at the rec. center. My gym bag was gone through and I found that my iphone was missing. Through help of the campus police it was recovered and returned to me. Everything went fine except for the thief who lived on campus was still allowed to reenter the rec center and to use all the campus facilities. This made me very nervous and I was always looking over my back for some kind of possible retaliation. This did not seem fair, and their should be some kind of policy in place to protect the victim!

  • Sabrina from Davison, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors are always willing to help you out if you're confused or just need extra help! The classes are usually well structured and fun.

    Am enjoying being here

    Campus may be small but there's always plenty to do. There's always some event going on whether it be a rootbeer pong tournament in your building, a free movie, or a student organized event.

    Bang for the buck

    There are a lot of opportunities available for SVSU's students. Great classes, volunteer opportunities, and advisers.

    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early and stay involved! Get your application and financial aid in early. Don't wait until the deadlines are quickly approaching. If you're confused, don't be afraid to call the school. There are plenty of people willing to help you get enrolled and make sure everything is in order.

    Great for these types of students

    SVSU has something to offer every type of student. There are hundreds of clubs and student organizations to join. It's that great middle ground for people who are ready to go away to college but aren't quite cut out for the HUGE typical campuses.

  • Chris from Hemlock, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have only been here a few times and I already know what is in store for me and I have friends who tell me that Saginaw Valley was the best decision they ever made.

    Am enjoying being here

    My first day on campus was for a college visit and I was already interacting with other students that I have no doubt in my mind that I will make lots of new friends.

    Bang for the buck

    One of the cheapest Universities in the state of Michigan and definitely worth it.

    Tips for prospective students

    If you're looking for a great way to pursue your dream career then SVSU should be on your priority list. The faculty is very polite and easy to work with and you should have no problem adjusting to college life.

  • Rosemary from Cedarville, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Saginaw Valley is a great school if you're looking for small class sizes, and an above average education. I'm in the political science program and enjoy my classes and teachers. I came from a small school that didn't offer much of an education experience, so I'm learning a lot.

    Am enjoying being here

    The city of Saginaw has nothing to offer, and there is no sense of culture here. I travel to surronding schools a lot for more of a college experience.

    Bang for the buck

    SVSU is the cheapest University in the State and offers the best student housing.