Lake State vs Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)
Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) are two public universities in Michigan with distinct characteristics. LSSU, located in Sault Ste. Marie, has a smaller student body and a lower acceptance rate compared to SVSU in University Center. LSSU offers a range of programs, including engineering, nursing, and business, while SVSU has a broader selection of majors, including education, health sciences, and social sciences. Both universities have a diverse student body, with SVSU having a slightly higher percentage of female students. While LSSU boasts a higher graduation rate, SVSU offers more affordable tuition and fees. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university better aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Lake Superior State University |
![]() Saginaw Valley State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Sault Ste Marie, Michigan | University Center, Michigan |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | Suburb: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 67.0% | 73.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 73.3% | 77.8% |
Application fees | ||
SAT range | 950 - 1160 | 960 - 1170 |
ACT range | 18 - 27 | 19 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 43.0% | 80.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 9.0% | 6.0% |
Total number of applicants | 2,411 | 5,899 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,767 | 4,590 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 373 | 1,336 |
Yield rate | 21.1% | 29.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $24,150 |
In state:
$26,036
Out of state:
$41,050
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Average net price | $13,583 | $15,476 |
Tuition | $12,912 |
In state:
$11,130
Out of state:
$26,144
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Room & board | $11,516 |
Room/dormitory:
$4,608
Meal plan:
$4,150
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
97.0%
Average amount $10,820 |
98.0%
Average amount $7,607 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
59.0%
Average amount $4,800 |
54.0%
Average amount $5,138 |
Students taking out private loans |
10.0%
Average amount $14,945 |
6.0%
Average amount $9,204 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,812
Men 44.2% Women 55.8% |
6,789
Men 35.6% Women 64.4% |
Graduate students | N/A |
734
Men 21.1% Women 78.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 13.8% | N/A |
International students | 1.2% | 3.2% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | Suburb: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 850 | 2,233 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Michigan Indiana Minnesota Illinois Ohio | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 52.4% | 42.5% |
Dropout rate | 16.6% | 53.3% |
Transferred out | 27.7% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
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