Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI, USA

Reviews

Spring Arbor University

Marcia from Dorr, MI

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Marissa from Tecumseh, MI

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Rachel from Jackson, MI

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Kayla from Hanover, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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!

Elizabeth from Grand Rapids, MI

researching this school
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Mandy from Dewitt, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
After visiting the beautiful campus, and meeting with professors, I feel called to spring arbor. I am excited to take my next steps there. I am a little worried financial wise but putting that in God's hands because that is where he wants me to be.
Academic Rigor
I am excited about all the academic choices they offer and plan to create a individualized major which is also an option.
Dorm Life
The large space dorms look like hey will be a perfect place to lay, study, or just hangout.
Food and Dining
With the many food options available I am not worried about eating when I leave home.

Anonymous

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Spring Arbor University is a place that accepts all types of people. The faculty and staff genuinely care about each and every students to ensure a good education and future. The students care about one another and are quick to share a smile while walking accross campus and accepting of each person.
Tips for prospective students
Come in with an open mind. SAU is a small community and can seem antimidating at first because of how everyone knows each other but soon you will know everyone too. It is important to realize the small community that it is and understand that this is not like a large state university at all... it's not like the movies.
Academic Rigor
This depends a lot on how prepatory your high school was but also how hard you worked in high school. I took a lot of college prep classes in high school, so I thought I understood how college would be, but even high school college prep classes can't prepare you fully for how much homework you actually have. But if you manage your time well it is no too hard to handle.
Dorm Life
The RA's here are phenomenal and do a great job of creating an awesome community.
Food and Dining
To be honest, the food here is probably better than a lot of colleges from the stories I hear, but like all college food, it gets really boring really fast. There are three different places on campus so that add variety which is good. The people who work in the dining commons are amazing people, you feel right at home there.
What to do for fun
Spring Arbor is tiny, there is not a lot to do here. We are only 10 minutes from Jackson where you can find a couple things to do and 45 minutes from both Lansing and Ann Arbor and 1 1/2 hours from Detroit, so if you're feeling adventerous you can find something to do.
Bang for the buck
Its expensive... thats rough.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Freshman, get ready for Cedar Bend... go in with an open mind.
Clubs and Activities
Lots and Lots
Campus Safety
Are great

Olivia from Fowlerville, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is the most loving environment I have ever experienced. You learn a lot from the professors, and there is great emphasis on spiritual life. People you meet here can easily be friends for life.
Tips for prospective students
Expect to be surrounded by loving people who want to support you. There are rules here, but it's not a hard transition if you're a Christian because these are the guidelines you'd want to follow anyway. Things may seem hard or strict at first, but hang in there. Everyone around you will want to support you and listen to you. People here truly care about you.
Academic Rigor
Classes are definitely challenging. You aren't in high school anymore. However, this is also where learning takes place. As a student you need to make sure to set aside a lot of time to maintain good grades. The work isn't that challenging, but it's time consuming. Procrastinating will get you nowhere (and I speak from experience).
Dorm Life
There is a fantastic environment in the dorms. Muffit (female-only) and Ormston (male-only) are the smallest and oldest, but I hear they have great community. It's typically where honors students are held. Lowell is the female-only dorm building with wonderful community. It has two lobbies, a kitchen, a movie theater room, a computer lab, and a fitness room. Andrews Hall (male-only) and Gainey Hall (female-only) are the newest and biggest dorm buildings. A good majority of athletes live there. (Bonus: Andrews and Gainey have air conditioning!) However, Gainey doesn't have as great of community because many of the girls keep their doors shut and they keep to themselves.
Food and Dining
The options aren't great on the weekend and sometimes during the beginning of the week, but once Wednesday rolls around, the food (and dessert) is excellent. The dining staff are wonderful people.
What to do for fun
There are a variety of activities that occur during the week, including sports games and occasional special events (popcorn and punch, pancake breakfasts, feminar, movie on the lawn).
Bang for the buck
Spring Arbor is expensive, but the school offers a great amount of scholarships and grants. There's also the Loan Repayment Assistance Program which helps you pay back some of your loans after graduation, if your income is less than $37,000 a year (rejoice, teachers and pastors).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Ping pong...it is said that whomever you play ping pong with (opposite gender) is the personal you will end up marrying.
Great for these types of students
Dedicated students and loving Christians
Clubs and Activities
Student Government Association is huge, but there really aren't many clubs otherwise. However, there are several kinds of Bible studies, and if you want to have a certain club, you're welcome to start your own with a group of other people.
Campus Safety
The campus is super safe already since it's so small. Most people don't even lock their bedroom doors because it's so safe (it's optional of course). Campus safety will even escort you to your car or dorm if you need assistance. They are generally very helpful.

Anonymous

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Student from Northern MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I am attending SAU and I feel my education has really been taken care of. All of my instructors have been wonderful and I have been really surprised about how well things have gone. I would recommend this school to anyone who is furthering their education.
Tips for prospective students
There are some rules that I find a lot different than any other university you would attend in Michigan. Some of the rules I find a little out there but that is their right as a school.
Academic Rigor
I have been challenged throughout all of the courses so far. But I am learning a lot from each class.
Dorm Life
I do not live on campus.
Food and Dining
I do not eat on campus.
Bang for the buck
Taking classes for a bachelor's is going to cost a lot more than what you would be paying for classes at a community college. I feel I am getting what I am paying for though.