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University of Detroit Mercy vs Saginaw Valley State University

University of Detroit Mercy is a private university in Detroit, MI. Saginaw Valley State University is a public university in University Center, MI. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants and University of Detroit Mercy about 75%, making Saginaw Valley State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,775 a year at Saginaw Valley State University after aid, and about $15,232 at University of Detroit Mercy. About 68% of students graduate at University of Detroit Mercy, compared with 51% at Saginaw Valley State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Detroit Mercy alumni earn a median of about $71,030, against $51,955 for Saginaw Valley State University.

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI · Private

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Detroit, MI
University Center, MI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,438
5,989
Acceptance rate
75%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1260
920–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
18–26
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,232
$10,775
Full cost / yr
$42,211
$24,936
In-state tuition
$32,946
$12,930
Out-of-state tuition
$32,946
$30,450
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,088
$9,844
$30k - $48k
$11,290
$19,711
$48k - $75k
$14,173
$20,053
$75k - $110k
$15,584
$18,879
Over $110k
$21,691
$24,103
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
51%
Freshman retention
83%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,534
$43,530
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,030
$51,955
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
35%
First-generation students
29%
33%
International students
8%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Detroit Mercy or Saginaw Valley State University harder to get into?
Saginaw Valley State University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 75% at University of Detroit Mercy. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Detroit Mercy or Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,775 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,232 at University of Detroit Mercy. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Detroit Mercy and Saginaw Valley State University?
Before aid, Saginaw Valley State University costs about $24,936 a year and University of Detroit Mercy about $42,211. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Detroit Mercy or Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,844 there, against about $13,088 at University of Detroit Mercy. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Detroit Mercy or Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,989 undergraduates against 2,438 at University of Detroit Mercy.
Does University of Detroit Mercy or Saginaw Valley State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Detroit Mercy has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 51% at Saginaw Valley State University.
Do graduates of University of Detroit Mercy or Saginaw Valley State University earn more?
University of Detroit Mercy alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,030 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,955 for Saginaw Valley State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Detroit Mercy and Saginaw Valley State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Detroit Mercy considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Saginaw Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Detroit Mercy and Saginaw Valley State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1260 at University of Detroit Mercy and 920–1170 at Saginaw Valley State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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