Saginaw Valley State University
About Saginaw Valley State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Saginaw Valley State University is a public university in University Center, Michigan, between Saginaw and Bay City. It offers affordable programs in nursing, education, business, and engineering with small class sizes.
Founded
1963
Location
University Center, Michigan
Students
6,676
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
72.1%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
48.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$12,930
Out-of-state: $30,450
Avg Net Price
$10,775
After financial aid
SAT Average
1052
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,955
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
72.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Saginaw Valley State University accepts 72.1% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1052/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.6%
4-Year Grad
14%
6-Year Grad
42%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
42.4%
$/Student
$9.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 14% graduation rate is below average, but 77.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,930
In-State
$30,450
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,340
Books & Supplies
$1,160
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,936
After Financial Aid
$10,775
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,844
Receive Grants
35.2%
Take Loans
50.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,936/yr for in-state students, including $12,340 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $10,775. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $30,450.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Saginaw Valley State University fund their education.
While in School
35.2%
Get Grants
Free money
50.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$52,670
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $52K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Saginaw Valley State University.
Gender
63.5%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,989
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
687
Graduates
32.9%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
11.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 32.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
5,989
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Saginaw Valley State University fields 11 varsity teams with 699 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great Lakes
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
699
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
64% / 36%
444
Men
255
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Saginaw Valley State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,955
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$76K
168 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
110 grads
1yr Earnings
Special Education and Teaching
$43K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$39K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$44K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
$60K
56 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saginaw Valley State University
What is the acceptance rate at Saginaw Valley State University?▾
How much does Saginaw Valley State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Saginaw Valley State University?▾
How much do Saginaw Valley State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.