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Spring Arbor University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 11 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Katie from Lincoln Park, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready to connect with other students. Also do not worry about tuition costs, SAU provides huge amount of financial aid support.

    Great for these types of students

    Students looking for a friendly, loving, and personal environment. A place were they can develop internally and see the world in a Christian perspective.

  • 9 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Alyssa from Newaygo, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Many classes freshman year were not intellectually challenging. However, once you get into classes for your major there is a lot more to be learned.

    Am enjoying being here

    Everyone is so friendly here; it is easy to get involved with any group of friends or any activity. There is not a lot of diversity religiously speaking, but that is great for many people. With Jackson so close there are many opportunities for volunteerism.

    Bang for the buck

    It seems SO expensive - but they really do provide some great scholarships. Some parts of attending here are less of a bang for the buck than others; such as the meal plan.

    Tips for prospective students

    Senior Expedition visit days are extremely fun, but for a more accurate view of the school visit campus another time.

    Great for these types of students

    Those who like close-knit community, liberal arts education, Christianity,attending chapel/church, or just want a safe and nurturing college environment.

  • 8 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Marcia from Dorr, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The liberal arts emphasis allows you to really get a thorough knowledge of many different subjects. The professors relate the classes that are not in your major to life in general, so that you at least take one thing away from the class at the end of the semester.

    Am enjoying being here

    The community of believers is so amazing. The Christian atmosphere not only makes me feel safe and loved, but it is so fun to be around others who have the same drives as me. I have made the best friends I have ever had here, the classes activate me, and I am never bored with all of the activities that are going on.

    Bang for the buck

    No matter what your interests are, Spring Arbor University allows you to be a part of a fun-loving community. Spring Arbor has the small community atmosphere that allows you to have strong connections with others, yet has a vast amount of opportunities to keep you busy and involved. At other universities you might spend less, but get half of the college experience. This is really the best time of your life, and you do not want it to be wasted with trivial opportunities, do you?

    Tips for prospective students

    Do not be afraid to do what you love and to try new things. There are so many different clubs and activities at Spring Arbor. Interacting with the great community here is not hard to do- so go out and live it up!

    Great for these types of students

    Students who really want to integrate their faith in their lifestyles. Those who want to grow in their walk with Christ and grow in fellowship with others.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Marissa from Tecumseh, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At SAU, you get a liberal arts degree; so not only do you learn about your field of study, but more! All the professors are really interactive, you can talk to any of them about anything.

    Am enjoying being here

    SAU has the best community atmosphere you could ask for. there's always something going on :)

    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is high, but every dollar is worth it.

    Tips for prospective students

    Don't decide on a different college just because of tuition! We have tons of visit days. Come see for yourself why SAU is worth it.

    Great for these types of students

    Those who want to grow closer to God, be super social, and get an overall amazing college experience.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Gina from Spring Arbor, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    spring arbor is an amazing place to learn and grow spiritually. everyone is so loving and always willing to help. it's a perfect place to find out who you are.

    Tips for prospective students

    be willing to look for all the possible outcomes that could happen. sau is an awesome school to attend.

    What to do for fun

    playing sports, hang out with friends, chapel, activities that go on throughout the year, dances and many more!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Victoria from Battle Creek, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    spring arbor is flexible. i love that the teachings are christ centered. small class sizes more one on one with instructors and other students.

    Tips for prospective students

    they make it impossible not to graduate. structured for busy people. college work at today's speeds.

    Academic Rigor

    the is weekly reading that allows you to make time within your schedule. big university centered essays and research papers due often. there is plenty of time for lecture weekly.

    Dorm Life

    i currently go to the battle creek site and there are no dorms.

    Food and Dining

    vending machines is all we have here, but we do often bring in potlucks.

    What to do for fun

    since i'm not on the main campus, there is very little to do. inside the class room group projects and discussions are always fun.

    Bang for the buck

    great school!

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    prayer before we start class for anyone that may be in the need for a little extra prayer.

    Great for these types of students

    mothers, fathers, people with more than one job, or all kinds of busy people.

    Clubs and Activities

    if i weren't so far from main campus, i would know more about the activities.

    Campus Safety

    at night the doors are locked and you have to have the key fob to get in.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Chelsea from Belleville, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    You really are just thrown into groups of people from your core group to your hall floor. Don't take the classes lightly.

    Academic Rigor

    Some of these classes are easy. There are however hard classes where that one class can give you up to six hours of work.

    Dorm Life

    Everyone on the floor gets to know each other very quickly. If your door isn't locked chances are someone is coming in. Most doors are propped open anyway.

    Food and Dining

    The food isn't all that bad but it gets boring.

    What to do for fun

    There isn't really much in Spring Arbor to do for fun, nor in Jackson. You basically have to know someone with a car and go to East Lansing or Ann Arbor.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are tons of things this campus does that I doubt any other college does. Arbor games, campus golf, Cedar Bend, and so much more.

    Great for these types of students

    People who take their studies and faith seriously. Or people who are seriously trying to get into faith in Jesus.

    Greek Life

    None.

    Campus Safety

    They make sure every rule is followed, yes. I know that can seem annoying, but they will also drive you from the parking lot to your dorm in the middle of the night.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning so much in Spring Arbor University right now, and I love it because it's challenging me, and I love challenges.
    I'm getting to learn not only through books but by hands-on experiences.
    The professors also don't mind if we ask questions.

    Am enjoying being here

    I'm enjoying myself here, and there are a lot of things going on. People are also very nice.

    Great for these types of students

    It's awesome for students who are looking for schools that tie in Christianity with studies, but at the same time learn about the worldly views, too.
    It's also awesome for students who are looking for ways to have a deeper relationship with God.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Elizabeth from Grand Rapids, MI

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    Great Christian atmosphere.

    Bang for the buck

    Christian college has is sticker price, but the education received at SAU seems to be worth it.

    Great for these types of students

    Christian students looking for an environment where their faith will thrive as they work toward their degree from a Christian perspective.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Kayla from Hanover, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I was duel-enrolled and earned 15 college credits. I learned so very much. The professors are very friendly and helpful. All the ones I've studied under have been more than willing to work around sick days, or days I couldn't get to class because of the weather.

    Will enjoy being here

    I have made many great friends already. For the most part, they are friendly christian people that are easy to get along with. I've eaten at the Dining Commons many times and the food really is wonderful. My absolute favorite part of SAU is the chapel services. For an entire year I went to every chapel service. The music is something that really lifts me up and makes my day start out right.

    Bang for the buck

    SAU looks like it is going to be EXTREMELY expensive, but the admissions counselors work very hard to get you the most money they can. The yearly cost at SAU (including tuition, books, and meals) is about 30k. For me right now, everything is covered except for about 10k. (but I am applying for a music scholarship this week)

    Tips for prospective students

    Do not think of attending SAU if you don't love Christ! Everything here is centered around God and the Bible. You would probably be miserable if you weren't a Christian.

    Great for these types of students

    If you are a Christian and are willing to work hard to meet your academic goals, then Spring Arbor University would probably be a good place for you. It still might not be, but you should definitely check it out. Go Cougars!

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Rachel from Jackson, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    For the most part the Professors at Spring Arbor University really care about the students and want them to succeed. Of course as always there are those few who no one really like but that’s the case with almost every school. The professors make an effort to ensure that everyone in the class is excelling. The class sizes are small so the Professor is able to focus on individual students more. If the student is proactive about his or her learning and stays on top of things he or she will definitely learn a lot. If a student is falling behind the most Professors will work with them and even give them special assignments to help them pass, at least that’s been my experience. The fact the Professors are so invested in the students really facilitates learning which why I have learned so much.

    Am enjoying being here

    I love the atmosphere here. I have made so many friends and everyone for the most part is friendly. Spring Arbor really works hard to get you involved in campus a life, especially as a freshman. I was so busy my first semester that my head was spinning. There are plenty of campus groups to join and activities to take part in. The key is to keep an open mind and try a little bit of everything even if you don't think you will like it. The more involved you are the more friends you will make and the more memorable your experience here will be :)

    Bang for the buck

    This is an expensive school and I will probably be in debt up to my ears when I graduate but so far I think I'm getting what I paid for, which is a healthy Christian atmosphere and higher learning. However, if you are considering coming here be prepared to apply for a lot of scholarships and financial aid, unless you are made out of money that is. Thankfully Spring Arbor does offer a lot of aid and they will work with you to find the best possible payment plan so don't let the money issue stop you.

    Tips for prospective students

    As I said apply for scholarships. Also, a lot of people have trouble transferring credits here so if you are transferring stay on top of things and make sure you know what credits will and will not transfer. Finally, visit the campus and ask questions. A lot of students end up leaving here after the first semester because it wasn't what they expected. So save yourself a lot of time and money by getting to know the school before you decide to attend the school. The more you know about it the less likely you are to make the wrong decision.

    Great for these types of students

    Students who don't have a problem with rules. This is a Christian school so there are a lot of rules here including no drinking, smoking, drugs, or premarital sex. So if you have trouble with following rules and adhering to authority than this probably isn't the school for you. This school is great for students who are interested in not only growing mentally but also spiritually and for students who want a smaller more intimate setting. Most of all this school is great for students who want a Christ centered education.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Joshua from Albion, MI

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    My brother went here and he learns a good bit. He was in Computer science.

    Will enjoy being here

    My brother really enjoyed the student life here and I've been to a few parties myself, they were well controlled and there was no drinking. Just a gathering of friends.

  • 4 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Abby from Grand Haven, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be worried about the cost; SAU provides a lot of financial aid.

    Great for these types of students

    Christian; those who want a community feel; interested in a liberal arts degree

  • 1 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Randall from Union City, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I'm at school, of course I'm learning a lot.

    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy making new friends and meeting the professors.

    Bang for the buck

    I get a college education and I get to make life long friends.

    Tips for prospective students

    Go to Spring Arbor University.

    Great for these types of students

    Every type of student.

  • Sarah from Byron Center, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Spring Arbor University is a great Christian college with faculty and staff devoted to God and your success. Most of the students are in love with God and genuinely own their own faith. Even though it is in a small town, in Jackson, there is much to do.

    Tips for prospective students

    No matter which college you go to, the first two months is difficult because you are meeting so many people and trying to find the group of friends you want. Hang in there and don't give up because everything eventually falls into place. Get involved in the student activities and intramurals. Lastly, if possible, do not take a night class. Most people hang out during this time and you can miss out on some fun stuff.

    Academic Rigor

    Professors expect college level work and they push for excellence. Expect on average 20 hours of homework a week.

    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is what you make it. There aren't very many activities planned, but if your floor wants to, they can make the year super fun! Community bathrooms are fun because you get to know people while getting ready in the morning.

    Food and Dining

    The food can be both good and bad. Some days you just eat cereal or salad, yet other days they have great food. They are currently making the cafeteria bigger, so there will be more seating and food options. They sometimes have special days for Thanksgiving or Christmas and those days are super fun!

    What to do for fun

    Me and my friends usually do sidewalk chalk and meet new people. In Jackson there is a great ice cream place called The Parlor that everyone goes to. Campus activities are fun, or having a bonfire at Lime Lake is also fun as well.

    Bang for the buck

    This school is expensive, but they work well with finding scholarships, grants and money for everyone.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    At Christmas time, the guys run through the girl's dorms singing Christmas carols with only boxers on.

    Great for these types of students

    This is great for students who want a Christian university with Christian faculty and staff. This is also for those who want to be pushed in their faith and go to the next level.

    Clubs and Activities

    There aren't many clubs or activities, but if you get involved in the ones they offer, it is super fun! They have movie nights, and open mic nights and other things.

    Greek Life

    There is no Greek Life.

    Campus Safety

    There were many times this year where I needed their help with a dead battery. They were nice and helpful. They can also give you rides late at night if you don't feel safe walking back alone from Freshman parking lot.

  • Alyssa from Taylor, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    spring arbor university is a wonderful place to be. it is a filled with amazing teachers who genuinely care about their students and teaching to the best of their abilities. also, it is a great christian based community.

    Tips for prospective students

    spring arbor may be expensive and seems pretty small compared to other colleges, but if you are looking for a place where you can learn and grow not only in academics but in christ; spring arbor is the place to be.

    Academic Rigor

    the classes are challenging but if you pay attention and apply yourself it is easy to succeed. also, it's more rewarding to do well in a class that challenged you then to slide by in a class that doesn't require much effort.

    Dorm Life

    there is a great sense of community in the dorms of spring arbor. the people on your floor quickly become your family and a wonderful support group. dorm life is probably one of my favorite aspects of spring arbor.

    Food and Dining

    the dinning commons (dc) is a great place to eat and hang out. there is always a wide variety of foods to choose from and it is also one of the most popular places on campus to hang out.

    What to do for fun

    the town of spring arbor is very small, so we find things to do around campus. usually student hang out and watch movies or join intermural sports teams or clubs to participate in. also, there are usually campus wide activities on weekends to partake in.

    Bang for the buck

    through spring arbor is expensive, it is a wonderful place to that helps you to grow not only academically but spiritually as well. spring arbor challenges students to look outside themselves and learn about others, which is part of the reason why we have such a great community.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    one unusual thing about spring arbor is that it requires a cross culture experience. each student is required to go to a foreign county with a group of students and staff and learn about that culture. i think that this is a wonderful experience that every school should offer.

    Great for these types of students

    spring arbor is great for students interested in growing closer to god and those who follow him.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are clubs and activities for everyone at spring arbor university. whether your passion be acting, dancing, or even ultimate frisbee, there is a club for you to join.

    Campus Safety

    spring arbor is very safe. there are campus safety officers patrolling and ready to serve the community every minute of the day.

  • Anna from New Lenox, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    spring arbor university that is strong in faith. at the core, this school carries respectable morals. in my opinion, the label, christian, clouds their sense of judgment.

    Tips for prospective students

    get to know the right people on campus; don't be afraid to ask for help. take advantage of all the opportunities provided by the school (mission trips, cross-culturals, workshops). actively participate in the community.

    Academic Rigor

    i transferred to spring arbor university from a community college. i had to learn to prioritize my time better. there was more reading that teachers expected you to do. all the work is manageable.

    Dorm Life

    i live in a village. it is really nice for many reasons. it is a quieter setting and people act more mature. the down side to this is that coming in as a transfer i felt that most girls here already new each other and were not as warming to me.

    Food and Dining

    eh, it's typical college food. the dining common isn't as bad as people make it out to be. ada's kitchen is pretty kick butt.

    What to do for fun

    there are intramural sports, floor events, and concerts that get put on by students and musicians.

    Bang for the buck

    well, it is a private institution so you're going to be paying a ton right off the bat. any college you go to is going to bleed you dry. spring arbor does offer really good scholarships to offset the cost.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    spring arbor has a place full of unusual traditions. it depends where you will be living. most of the different dorms have different events that people look forward to every year. ormston has the most unusual traditions in my opinion; they do nerf gun fights and porch fest.

    Great for these types of students

    spring arbor is great for students who look to seek god on a more personal level.

    Clubs and Activities

    at the beginning of the year, they have a event called down low. this is where you can find out about every club on campus. events and other activities will be announced at chapel or fliers will be hung around campus.

    Greek Life

    there is no greek life, but the people you live with become like family.

    Campus Safety

    spring arbor community proclaims that are the safest community in america.

  • Whitney from Clarkston, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    spring arbor is a very friendly place. there are a lot of activities to get involved in. the campus is beautiful.

  • DaMON from Spring Arbor, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i think spring arbor is conservative
    this place is probably a 5 or 6 out of 10
    the food rating is 5

    Dorm Life

    quiet and clean new building called u-hall

    What to do for fun

    watch television, play video games

  • Lauren from Clarkston, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    if you ask any student that attends spring arbor university, they will all tell you the same thing, the community of people is amazing. sau made me feel at home the moment i started two years ago, they have an outstanding academic record, and the professors truly care about your success. people genuinely care about your life, and they invest time into getting to know you.

    Tips for prospective students

    if you're a prospective student, come visit! the best days to come are during the week monday or wednesday so that you can sit in on a class, talk with students, and experience chapel! current students love visitors, and tons of them offer to house visitors in their room so that you can experience dorm life as well!

    Academic Rigor

    the academics at sau are for the most part phenomenal. depending on what major you're going into, sau has some of the most amazing and dedicated teachers. not only do they care about your success, but they all care about you as a person. the academics at sau have been known for being top in the country.

    Dorm Life

    dorm life at sau is very unique to most schools, there are no co-ed dorm buildings, but opposite genders are able to be in girls/guys rooms 4 days out of the week. you will make so many friends through dorm life, a lot of students at sau choose to stay in dorms even through their upperclassmen years. we think it's the best part of college!

    Food and Dining

    the food at sau is constantly improving. we have a mongolian bbq that cooks stir fry, quesadillas, omelets, and pasta to order as well as different dining options like a panera bread type option and a burgers and chicken place. we are currently under construction with a new student center including the dining commons!

    What to do for fun

    the town of spring arbor is very small, but just 5 or 10 minutes away is jackson, mi where there is a lot to do! there are many coffee shops, two movie theaters, target, two malls, lots of strip mall shopping, and downtown jackson. there are lots of restaurants, parks, light shows on the weekends, live music, and vintage shops.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    sau has a few traditions that may be unusual, we have chapel every monday and wednesday for an hour when we get together to worship god and hear a guest speaker. for the most part, everyone on campus loves chapel!

    Great for these types of students

    sau is a great university for christians, students interested in education, psychology, social work, business, or ministry.

    Campus Safety

    campus safety is almost too good at sau. spring arbor is a very safe town, but in addition to that, we have many officers that are on patrol 24-7.