Saginaw Valley State University is a renowned public institution, founded in 1963. The main campus of 782 acres is located in Saginaw, Michigan. The university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. It offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. With a total enrollment of 8,662, the university enrolled more than 900 international students from 42 different nations.

Saginaw Valley State University Campus

Saginaw Valley State University has a total of five colleges namely College of Arts and Behavioural Sciences, College of Business and Management, College of Education, Crystal M. Lange College of Health and Human Services and the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. It is the youngest public university in Michigan. The University is also known for charging the lowest tuition fee in Michigan. It has 15 varsity teams at the NCAA Division II level. SVSU was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

The University has the no. 1 Moot Court Team in Michigan and 17th nationally among more than 425 other competitors. Additionally, the University’s undergraduate formula racing team is also globally ranked as #1 for student-engineered race cars.

Saginaw Valley State University Rankings

Saginaw Valley State University has prominent standing among other universities in the U.S. Some remarkable rankings are as follows:

Organisation Ranking
US News Rankings, Regional universities midwest 119-156
US News Rankings, top performers in social mobility 109th 
US News Rankings, Top public schools  39-51
THE World University Rankings 600

Highlights 

Type Public, Co-ed
Campus Setting Suburban
Location Saginaw, Michigan
Establishment Year 1963
No. of Campus 1
Total Students 8,662
Total Number of International students 900+
Student to faculty ratio 17:1
Average class size 24
Courses offered Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate
Mode of Application Online
Acceptance Rate 73%
On-Campus Accommodation Available
Financial Aid Scholarships

Saginaw Valley State University Campus

  • Saginaw Valley State University has a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities located at Bay Road, Michigan.
  • The major attraction near campus is the Great Lakes Bay Region of Saginaw, Bay City.
  • There is also an Arbury Fine Arts Center, which also has Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
  • There are 170 student-led clubs and organizations for every student to involve in.

Saginaw Valley State University Residence

  • According to Niche's ranking, it has been positioned as the nation's no. 1 college dorms.
  • The students can apply at the University's housing portal for housing applications by May 1.
  • Saginaw University offers residence options like first-year suites A to E, first-year suites F and G, University Village, MJ Brandimore Hous, Living Center South, Pine Grove and Living Center Southwest.
  • Each year over 1,100 freshmen and 1,300 upper-class students take on-campus housing advantage.
  • There are also some on-campus retail locations, like Starbucks, Subway, Cardinal Cafe, Papa John’s, Panda Express, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Saginaw Valley State University Courses

  • Saginaw Valley State University offers nearly 110 undergraduate majors, 11 master’s degrees and 1 doctoral degree program.
  • Popular programs at the Saginaw Valley State University include Nursing, Business, Computer Science and Social Work and Youth Services.
  • Online certificate programs are also offered at the University. 81% of students study on-campus.
  • Some of the popular graduate programs at SVSU include Occupational Therapy, Master of Social Work and M.A. in Technology Learning System & Design.
  • The University’s College of Business and Management is one of the top 5% that holds AACSB accreditation.
  • The University offers one of the largest Nursing (BSN) and Social Work (BSW) programs in Michigan.

Saginaw Valley State University Application Process

Saginaw has a moderately selective admission policy. It had an acceptance rate of 73% in the Fall. International students who fulfill admission criteria and submit necessary documents are eligible for admission to the University.

How to Apply?

The process and requirements for admission to Saginaw Valley State University have been discussed below:

Application Portal: SVSU Admission Portal

Application Fee: 90 USD

Application Deadlines: Fall – July 1; Winter – November 1

Admission Requirements: The following documents must be submitted at the time of admission:

  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions translated into English.
  • Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 and college GPA of 3.0
  • ACT scores/ SAT Scores
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Copy of passport
  • Evidence of Financial Support (34,175 USD for undergraduates and 34,772 USD for graduates)
  • Minimum ELS 110 level or SVSU English 111 with a grade of C or higher (alternative for ELP scores)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • GMAT/GRE Scores (if applicable for masters program)
  • Letters of recommendation

English language Requirements

International students must submit one of the following English language proficiency test scores for admission. The University is now accepting scores of ITEP’s Academic Plus and TOEFL – IBT Special At Home Edition.

Test Minimum Requirements for Undergraduates Minimum Requirements for Graduates
TOEFL (iBT) 61 79
IELTS 5.5 6.5
PTE 45 56
ITEP Academic Plus Scores 3.6 3.6

Saginaw Valley State University Cost of Attendance

  • The estimated cost of attendance for a University in the U.S. depends on several factors like tuition fees, housing, books, dining, and other personal related expenses.
  • The table below shows the estimated expenses for attending the university as an international student:
Expenses Cost for Undergraduate Cost for Graduate
Tuition and fees 23,599 USD 21,491 USD
Room and Board 10,411 USD 10,411 USD
Books and Supplies 1,059 USD 1,059 USD
Miscellaneous Expenses 1,189 USD 1,189 USD
Total Cost of Attendance 36,258 USD 34,150 USD

Saginaw Valley State University Scholarships/Financial Aid

  • Saginaw Valley State University offers low tuition costs and special scholarship benefits for first-year international students.
  • Each year 500+ students from 50 countries attend SVSU and take advantage of various financial aids awarded in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans.
  • The average financial aid awarded to a student per year is 6,450 USD.
  • 90% of SVSU students receive financial aid in forms other than student loans.
  • Some scholarship opportunities for students are tabulated below:
Name of Scholarship Eligibility Amount Awarded
President’s Scholarship The student must have minimum GPA of 3.9 and 1270 SAT or 28 ACT composite score;
or minimum GPA of 3.0 and 1350 SAT or 30 ACT composite score; or ranked #1 or #2 in class and a minimum GPA of 3.0
Covers tuition and selective mandatory fees up to 124 credit hours toward your first degree.
SV Red and White Scholarship The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and 18 ACT composite score or 900 SAT score Reduction of the non-resident tuition fee.

Saginaw Valley State University Alumni Network

  • SVSU Alumni Association is the official association of the university's alumni.
  • By accepting the alumni membership, students can get great deals and discounts, along with the advantage of campus services and benefits. Some of these include:
    • Discount on insurance
    • Free license plate from the university
    • Discount on the fitness center
    • Deals on purchase of Spirit Wear merchandise
    • Access to the university library
    • 1,000 USD Legacy Scholarship
  • Some notable alumni of the university include:
    • Rob Callaway: former Dallas Cowboys Defense
    • Matt Koleszar: State Representative
    • Bart Stupak: Congressman
    • James. A. Barcia: State Senator
    • Gail Goestenkors: University of Texas women's basketball coach

Saginaw Valley State University Placements

Saginaw Valley State University has a graduation rate of 44%. The University’s alumni go on to earn a starting salary of 32,500 USD. 93% of students get employed within 2 years from graduation. The office of career services provides professional development resources to every student. It helps students through handshake programs, internship and placement drives.

FAQs

Ques. What is the tuition fee for international students?

Ans. The tuition fee at the Saginaw Valley State University for students hailing from out of the USA is approximately USD 25,401. The room and board charges are USD 10,411. All of this sums up to around USD 38,060.

Ques. What is the Saginaw Valley State University most famous for in terms of campus?

Ans. The Saginaw Valley State University is really famous for its well maintained dorms.

Ques. What is the most famous program at Saginaw Valley State University?

Ans. One of the most famous programs at the Saginaw Valley State University is nursing.

Ques. How is the application at the Saginaw Valley State University made and what is the application fee?

Ans. International students can apply at the Saginaw Valley State University through an online application form at the official university website. The non refundable application fee is USD 90.

Ques. What are the international admission deadlines?

Ans. Fall (August) Semester: July 1
Winter (January) Semester: November 1
Spring (May) Semester: March 15
Summer (June) Semester: only available by invitation

Ques. How can I contact admissions?

Ans. International students can contact at the address given below for any queries:
%20intadmit@svsu.edu

Ques. Does the university offer conditional admission?

Ans. Yes, the university offers conditional admission, students who do not possess the minimum english proficiency requirements can enrol in english language program before their desired course or program.

Ques. Does the university offer scholarships?

Ans. Yes, the university offers many scholarships every year to international students like the president's international scholarship, SV Red and White Award, GAC Pathway scholarship and others. The university also offers student loans and other grants.

Ques. Does the university provide accommodation to international students?

Ans. Yes, Saginaw Valley State University offers accommodation options to international students, for which the students can apply online through the housing application. Students need to make a pre-housing payment of USD 200.

Ques. What are some of the pre professional programs offered at the university?

Ans. Pre law & Pre health

Ques. What are the steps for applying at the university?

Ans. Fill in the application
Submit the requirements
Wait for the admission decision