Southern Adventist University vs Andrews University

Southern Adventist University (SAU) and Andrews University (AU) are two highly regarded private Christian universities with distinct characteristics. SAU, located in Collegedale, Tennessee, boasts a smaller student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to AU. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors in nursing, business, and education. AU, situated in Berrien Springs, Michigan, has a larger student population and a lower acceptance rate. It excels in fields such as theology, music, and health sciences. Both universities prioritize spiritual growth and community engagement, fostering a supportive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between SAU and AU, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Andrews University logo

Andrews University

Southern Adventist University logo

Southern Adventist University

Overview

Location Berrien Springs, Michigan Collegedale, Tennessee
Campus setting Town: Fringe Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 87.0% 82.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Protestant Protestant

Admission

Acceptance rate 81.5% 74.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $40
SAT range 1050 - 1300 N/A
ACT range 20 - 28 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 38.0%
Students submitting ACT score 37.0%
Total number of applicants 1,109 1,914
Total number of admissions given out 904 1,424
Admitted students who chose to enroll 256 571
Yield rate 28.3% 40.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $48,972 $37,110
Average net price $23,719 $24,127
Tuition $30,552 $22,320
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,168

Meal plan: $3,800
Room/dormitory: $4,760

Meal plan: $3,480
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $18,460
99.0%
Average amount $13,511
Students receiving federal student loan 46.0%
Average amount $5,289
43.0%
Average amount $6,616
Students taking out private loans 23.0%
Average amount $21,431
5.0%
Average amount $11,610

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,358
Men 48.6% Women 51.4%
2,400
Men 44.9% Women 55.1%
Graduate students 1,569
Men 61.2% Women 38.8%
319
Men 21.9% Women 78.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A 80.6%
International students 22.2% 5.6%
Campus local/setting Town: Fringe Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,614 1,600
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Tennessee California Florida Georgia North Carolina

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Theology
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Business
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 10:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 71.6% 47.7%
Dropout rate 13.6% 25.8%
Transferred out 14.8% 25.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,576
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $81,119
Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,012
  • Year 2: $41,193
  • Year 3: $50,289
Architecture (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $59,169
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: N/A
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,656
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,672
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: N/A
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,012
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,121
  • Year 2: $92,277
  • Year 3: $102,756
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,507
  • Year 2: $53,579
  • Year 3: $59,839
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,420
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: N/A
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,217
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,098
  • Year 2: $38,829
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,554
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,843
  • Year 2: $34,530
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Southern Adventist University and Andrews University?

    Southern Adventist University, located in Collegedale, Tennessee, is known for its strong focus on undergraduate education and a close-knit community feel. Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, is a larger institution with a broader range of graduate programs and a more research-oriented environment. Andrews also houses the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, making it a central hub for theological studies within the Adventist denomination.

  • Where are Southern Adventist University and Andrews University located?

    Southern Adventist University is located in Collegedale, Tennessee, a suburban setting near Chattanooga. Andrews University is situated in Berrien Springs, Michigan, a smaller town in southwestern Michigan, not far from Lake Michigan.

  • Which university is larger, Southern Adventist University or Andrews University?

    Andrews University is the larger institution, both in terms of student population and campus size. It generally offers a wider array of programs and resources due to its larger scale.

  • What academic programs are offered at Southern Adventist University and Andrews University?

    Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate programs in areas like business, nursing, education, and the sciences. Andrews University, however, has a more extensive graduate school, including programs in architecture, law, and theology, which are not offered at Southern. Southern Adventist University is particularly known for its strong nursing and business programs.

  • How do the campus cultures compare between Southern Adventist University and Andrews University?

    Southern Adventist University is often described as having a more intimate and community-focused campus culture. Andrews University, being larger and more diverse, offers a broader range of social and cultural experiences. Both universities maintain a strong emphasis on Adventist values and spiritual life.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Southern Adventist University versus Andrews University?

    Tuition and fees can vary, but generally, Andrews University tends to have a slightly higher cost of attendance compared to Southern Adventist University. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities.

  • What are the admission requirements for Southern Adventist University and Andrews University?

    Both universities require applicants to submit transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Andrews University, given its larger size and graduate programs, may have slightly more competitive admission standards overall. Specific program requirements can vary, so it's important to consult each university's admissions website.

  • Do Southern Adventist University and Andrews University have similar religious affiliations?

    Yes, both Southern Adventist University and Andrews University are affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They share a common religious heritage and values, which are reflected in their campus life, curriculum, and mission.

  • What kind of student life activities are available at each university?

    Both universities offer a range of student life activities, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and spiritual life programs. Andrews University, due to its larger size, may have a greater variety of options. Southern Adventist University fosters a strong sense of community through its smaller, more tightly knit student body.

  • Which university is better for international students?

    Andrews University has a larger and more established international student population and dedicated resources for international student support. While Southern Adventist University also welcomes international students, Andrews' infrastructure and experience in this area are generally more extensive.

  • How do the career services compare between Southern Adventist University and Andrews University?

    Both universities offer career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career counseling. Andrews University, with its broader alumni network and connections, may offer a wider range of opportunities, particularly for graduate students. Southern Adventist University provides personalized attention and support to its students, fostering strong relationships with local employers.

  • What are the strengths of Southern Adventist University?

    Southern Adventist University excels in providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, particularly for undergraduate students. Its strengths include strong programs in nursing and business, a close-knit community, and a focus on spiritual development.

  • What are the strengths of Andrews University?

    Andrews University's strengths lie in its comprehensive graduate programs, its role as a center for theological studies within the Adventist denomination, its diverse student body, and its research-oriented environment. It offers a wider range of academic and professional opportunities due to its larger size and scope.

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