Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI

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Your Cardinal story starts here

Saginaw Valley State University is dedicated to supporting our determined and curious students in reaching extraordinary heights. With our nationally ranked programs, our knowledgeable professors, and our welcoming and friendly campus, anything is possible. At SVSU, we're invested together—and we believe in you.

Academics, international travel, and world-class opportunities 
The Cardinals of SVSU embrace challenges, push themselves, and soar without limits. Explore and choose from any of our innovative programs, where students are inspired by real-world experiences. Engage in undergraduate research, fieldwork, hands-on internships, study abroad, leadership development, and more. With countless national and international achievements, our students are empowered to defy limits and unleash their potential.  At SVSU, you can pursue your dreams and reach your goals. We offer competitive Programs of Distinction and the Undergraduate Research Program for high-achieving students to get the most of their college experience. Students have the opportunity to get paid to travel and conduct important research. Our students don’t just succeed, they excel. 

Our students shine on both the national and international stage. They present their original research at global conferences in Italy, China, England, and across the world. They earn admission to prestigious graduate programs at Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and Northwestern University. They land jobs at Fortune 500 companies such as Dow, Ford, and Quicken Loans. Our students prove they have the drive and determination to become lawyers at the top law firms of the world, CEOs of multimillion-dollar companies, world-class doctors and researchers, devoted educators, state senators, and performers on Broadway. At SVSU, the possibilities are endless.

Support from dedicated professors
The University's small class sizes and knowledgeable professors will guide and support you, so your goals become reality. We believe in personalized education and providing genuine support to students in every aspect of their lives. We know the importance of one-on-one mentorship, so you’ll benefit from our average class size of 22 students. 

We also understand that the cost of your education shouldn't hold you back. We’re proud to have the lowest public tuition in the state of Michigan. With our high-quality, affordable education, nearly one-third of our students graduate with no debt at all. Our supportive philosophy and emphasis on diversity and inclusion create leaders and empower students to achieve. This atmosphere contributes to the 97% of students who find employment or attend graduate school after graduation and a nearly 100% placement rate for graduates in Accounting, Early Childhood Education, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Special Education, and more.

Engaging campus experience
We believe in promoting a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all. Not only are we a nationally awarded community of scholars, but we also understand the value of giving back. The University earns national recognition for devoting over 18,000 community service hours each year! Our focus on cultivating a comfortable and collaborative community for learning has helped us achieve status as the #1 college campus in Michigan and the #1 best dorms in the US among public universities. Whether in class, on stage, on the field, or in one of our more than 200 student organizations, SVSU students have endless opportunities to thrive, succeed, and achieve.

ACCOLADES

Niche Badge

Ranked #31 for the "Best College Dorms America" | Niche, 2024

Niche Badge

Ranked #13 among the "Best College Campuses in America" and #1 in Michigan | Niche, 2024

Most Affordable badge

Named the most affordable university in Michigan with the lowest university tuition

Experience & Excellence

With 95% of students participating in experiential learning, SVSU students are empowered to reach past the ordinary and distinguish themselves with opportunities they wouldn’t find anywhere else. We are also home to:
• Top-ranked Nursing and Social Work programs in the Midwest
• NCAA Division II athletic teams including football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball
• 170+ clubs and organizations
• Student-led undergraduate research
• 97% job and graduate school placement rate
• Bloomberg trading room and consumer behavior labs learning tools
• Teacher Education students with 500 hours of experience in K–12 classrooms
• Mental health professionals offering counseling and workshops
• An average class size of 22
• The lowest tuition of Michigan's public universities

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs of study for its more than 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students.

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “At SVSU, everyone is extremely supportive and inclusive to help each other on their individual journeys. I love the strength, trust, and compassion of our community as Cardinals. SVSU has consistently provided me with the tools I need to succeed in my career.”

    • Lucas Inman, Theatre
      Saginaw, Michigan
  • “You’re a name here, not just a number. Opportunities for professional development, networking events, and leadership roles helped me develop as a leader and grow into who I believe I am supposed to be.”

    • Surina Gupta, Political Science
      Saginaw, Michigan
  • “The best part about SVSU is the access to opportunities. The faculty and staff have been so open to working with me to help me grow as a person and pursue opportunities to gain experience in my field.”

    • Talia Pruiett, Social Work
      Bay City, Michigan
  • “I really like the diversity at SVSU. Being a minority, it’s great to see so many people represented. It’s so nice to be in an atmosphere that's so welcoming.”

    • Adiya Young, International Business
      Waterford, Michigan
  • “SVSU is more than just a school. It’s home. It’s always been home to me. I have created a bond with everyone and anyone here. This is my family. Once you come here, you’re not going to school—you’re joining a family.”

    • Jayson Tunstall, Accounting
      New Lothrop, Michigan