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Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public

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72.9%
Acceptance
1050
SAT
$36,251
Sticker Price
$13,963
Net Price*
$51,955
Earnings
3.3 yrs
Payback
10,222
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Saginaw Valley State University's acceptance rate?

Down 4.5 percentage points since 2018

With a 72.9% acceptance rate, Saginaw Valley State University is considered accessible. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Saginaw Valley State University?

Saginaw Valley State University received 10,222 applications in 2023, up 39% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 17% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Saginaw Valley State University?

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing leads as the most popular major at Saginaw Valley State University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Saginaw Valley State University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 34% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 33% from $27,283 to $36,251.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Saginaw Valley State University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $78,343 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Electrical, Electronics and Co... $78,343
$9,348 $155,297
Mechanical Engineering $73,378
$9,348 $155,297
Computer Systems Analysis $64,990
$9,348 $155,297
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $61,688
$9,348 $155,297
Computer and Information Scien... $59,169
$9,348 $155,297
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Sc... $49,631
$9,348 $155,297
Finance and Financial Manageme... $48,432
$9,348 $155,297
Accounting and Related Service... $44,468
$9,348 $155,297
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Saginaw Valley State University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 10,222 7,450 72.9% 17.3%
2022 9,330 7,125 76.4% 18.8%
2021 5,899 4,590 77.8% 29.1%
2020 6,881 6,156 89.5% 22.5%
2019 7,149 5,227 73.1% 28.1%
2018 7,329 5,672 77.4% 27.8%
2017 6,457 4,768 73.8% 25.8%
2016 6,700 5,083 75.9% 26.6%
2015 7,025 5,349 76.1% 29.4%

Is Saginaw Valley State University worth it?

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Saginaw Valley State University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,955
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$9,300 $51,955 median $71,500

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $9,300 while the top 10% earn $71,500. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$43,530
Median Debt
$25,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
53.8%

How much does Saginaw Valley State University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Saginaw Valley State University is approximately $36,251 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$10,376
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,963
Fees
$438
Room & Board
$10,850
Total Cost of Attendance
$36,251

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $10,545
$30-48k income $11,338
$48-75k income $13,963
$75-110k income $16,972
$110k+ income $18,491

Which majors pay the most?

  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $78,343
  • Mechanical Engineering $73,378
  • Computer Systems Analysis $64,990
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $61,688
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General $59,169

Who attends Saginaw Valley State University?

Saginaw Valley State University enrolls 6,889 students, with 3% from outside the United States. Women make up 65% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 6,889
Retention Rate 75%
International 3%
Women 65%
Race/Ethnicity
White 76%
Black 8%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

82% of students receive some form of financial aid at Saginaw Valley State University. About 32% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 82%
Avg: $8,448 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 32%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 51%
Avg: $6,108
School's Own Grants 98%
Avg: $7,616 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Saginaw Valley State University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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