How Spring Arbor University Measures Up
Spring Arbor University is often recognized for what makes us special—our strong academics, Christ-centered focus, and commitment to your success. These honors remind us why we do what we do: helping students like you grow deep roots in Jesus Christ and thrive in a world that’s always changing.
A Distinguished Education
U.S. News & World Report ranked SAU as one of the top Regional Universities for the 16th consecutive year. Additionally, SAU also received 2025 rankings by U.S. News in Best Colleges for Best Value Schools and Top Performers on Social Mobility.
SAU is named one of EDsmart’s Best Colleges & Universities in Michigan 2023 and Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024.
Niche ranks SAU among the top in both Top Private Universities in Michigan and Best Christian Colleges in Michigan.
SAU was recognized as a College of Distinction for the last six years!
Additionally, SAU was recognized as a Christian College of Distinction for the last six years!
SAU was ranked #6 on the Michigan College of Distinction list in 2025.
College Choice ranked SAU #10 in their list of the 25 Best Online Colleges in Michigan and #17 in Best Colleges in Michigan.
Online Christian Colleges listed SAU on their list of the 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges & Universities.
College Consensus ranked SAU #17 on their list of the Best Christian Colleges & Universities nationwide.
Spring Arbor University was ranked as a 2025 College of Distinction in Vibrant Communities.
Spring Arbor University was ranked as a 2025 College of Distinction in Successful Outcomes.
Spring Arbor University was ranked as a 2025 College of Distinction in Great Teaching.
Spring Arbor University was ranked as a 2025 College of Distinction in Engaged Students.
Campus Undergraduate
Niche rates our dorms #3 Best College Dorms in Michigan (#1 for Christian colleges).
Business
SAU was recognized as a Business College of Distinction for the last six years!
Education
SAU was recognized as an Education College of Distinction for the last six years!
Teacher Certification Degrees ranked SAU's Master of Education program the #1 Most Affordable Online M.Ed. in Michigan!
SAU’s elementary education program was named one of the nation’s top teacher prep programs in the book Start Here to Become a Teacher from the National Council on Teacher Quality.
Nursing
SAU was recognized as a Nursing College of Distinction for the last six years!
RegisteredNursing.org ranked SAU as the #1 MSN online program in Michigan and #4 MSN online program in the entire U.S. for 2025!
RegisteredNursing.org ranked SAU as the #1 Nurse Practitioner program in Michigan for 2025!
RegisteredNursing.org ranked SAU as the #2 Online RN to BSN program in Michigan in 2024.
Ranked #1 in Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs by Nurse Practitioner Online.
Ranked #3 in Best Online AGNP Programs by Nurse Practitioner Online.
Ranked #3 in Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs by Nurse Practitioner Online.
Social Work
#1 Ranked MSW Program in Michigan for 2025 by CounselingPsychology.org.
Named #15 nationwide for Best Online BSW Programs by OnlineU.
Online
SAU was awarded as one of the Best Online Colleges in Michigan by College Consensus.
SAU was recognized as one of the Best Online Colleges in Michigan Intelligent.com.
Online Christian Colleges ranked SAU #17 in their list of the 50 Best Christian Graduate Schools Online nationwide.