Spring Arbor University's greatest strength lies in its nursing program, where graduates achieve earnings of $72,790 that far exceed the institutional average and reflect strong healthcare career preparation.
The university's zero default rate and focused program portfolio create clear pathways for students seeking professional preparation in a supportive, faith-based environment.
Spring Arbor University is a small private nonprofit institution in Michigan that combines Christian liberal arts education with professional programs, particularly excelling in nursing and healthcare fields. While the university serves a more modest share of low-income students compared to public institutions, it provides solid middle-class access with net prices that remain manageable for many families. Graduates earn a median of $51,732 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its focused program portfolio, where nursing stands out as both the highest-earning and most successful major. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn $72,790 ten years out, significantly above the institutional median and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals. Business Administration also performs well with graduates earning $53,358, while social work programs serve students interested in community-focused careers.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Spring Arbor provides pathways for students who might not access highly selective colleges but still want meaningful career preparation. The small scale allows for personalized attention and mentorship, though outcomes vary significantly by program choice. For students drawn to healthcare, business, or faith-integrated education, Spring Arbor offers a supportive environment with clear professional pathways.
Spring Arbor University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation, with clear standouts in healthcare and business fields. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the university's flagship program, graduating 71 students annually with exceptional median earnings of $72,790 ten years out. This represents both the highest aggregate return and strongest individual outcomes, reflecting robust clinical partnerships and strong preparation for Michigan's healthcare job market.
Business Administration serves as another solid option, graduating 67 students with median earnings of $53,358—competitive for business roles and slightly above the institutional average. The program's scale and outcomes suggest effective preparation for management, finance, and entrepreneurship roles across various industries.
Forensic Social Work, despite being the largest program with 69 graduates, produces more modest earnings at $28,598, reflecting the service-oriented nature of social work careers. While financial returns are lower, these programs serve students drawn to community impact and human services rather than high-earning careers. The earnings gap between nursing and social work—nearly $44,000—illustrates how program choice fundamentally shapes financial outcomes at Spring Arbor, making career planning essential for prospective students.
Spring Arbor University graduates earn a median of $51,732 ten years after enrollment, positioning the institution around the national average for long-term financial outcomes. While earnings don't significantly exceed expectations compared with similar institutions, the university's focused program mix creates meaningful variation in outcomes depending on field of study. Students who choose strategically can access strong earning potential, particularly in healthcare and business fields.
The university's standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 71 students annually with median earnings of $72,790 ten years out—substantially higher than the institutional average and reflecting robust demand for nursing professionals. Business Administration, the second-largest program with 67 graduates, produces median earnings of $53,358, slightly above the university median and competitive for business roles. However, Forensic Social Work, despite being the largest program with 69 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $28,598, reflecting the service-oriented nature of social work careers.
This earnings pattern underscores the importance of program selection at Spring Arbor. Students entering healthcare fields benefit from strong clinical partnerships and professional preparation that translate directly into well-compensated careers. Business students also see solid returns, while those drawn to social work and human services should expect more modest but meaningful career outcomes focused on community impact rather than high earnings.
Spring Arbor University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private nonprofit institution serving primarily middle-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of $16,569 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $18,556 per year—both figures representing substantial institutional aid that brings private college costs closer to public university levels. Higher-income families pay $23,328 annually, which remains competitive compared with many private colleges of similar size and mission.
Debt levels require careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $26,375 in federal student loan debt, higher than many public alternatives but reasonable for a private institution. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,579, indicating that many families supplement student aid with additional borrowing to cover costs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though this partly reflects the institution's middle-class student profile.
For families considering Spring Arbor, affordability depends significantly on program choice and career outcomes. Nursing students can comfortably service higher debt levels given their strong earning potential, while students in lower-earning fields should be more cautious about borrowing. The university's aid packages help make private education accessible, but families should carefully evaluate total costs against expected career outcomes in their chosen field.
Spring Arbor University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
