About Spring Arbor University
For 135 years, Spring Arbor University has distinguished itself as the place where faith and learning meet. What began as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800s has evolved into a top-tier university granting master's degrees. Now attracting over 4,000 students, SAU offers a Christ-centered, liberal arts education. With over 60 undergraduate majors and programs, seven degree completion programs and seven graduate programs, the University continues to meet the growing needs of its students.
Founded in 1873 by leaders of the Free Methodist Church, Spring Arbor University is nestled in the scenic beauty of south central Michigan. Its main campus sits on a sprawling 100-acre property that continues to expand. The University also offers its innovative, cutting-edge degrees at 13 sites across Michigan. And for the first time in its history, SAU stepped outside of Michigan in February 2007 to offer a program in Ohio. The University offers programs online as well.
In addition to the education offered at the University, students are encouraged to advance spiritually, mentally and physically to become well-rounded individuals equipped to make an impact in the world. The heart of Spring Arbor University lies beyond the classroom and is expressed through its dynamic mission statement:
Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning and critical participation in the contemporary world.
The turn of the 21st century marked a time of unprecedented growth in Spring Arbor University history—growth that continues today.
Since 2000, SAU has added 174,000-square-feet of buildings and renovated an additional 69,000-square-feet of facilities. Maturing from college to university status in 2001, SAU has set enrollment records and balanced its $49 million operating budget every year. Both traditional undergraduate enrollment (1,570) and total enrollment (4,002) have increased over 40 percent. In addition, the University has secured $33 million in deferred gifts since 2000 and recently surpassed the Concept of Promise fundraising campaign goal, raising 107 percent of the $43.5 million goal three months ahead of schedule.