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Spring Arbor University vs Rochester Christian University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Spring Arbor MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Rochester Hills MI

The verdict

Spring Arbor University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,412 in 23 years versus 247.3 years at Rochester Christian University, on median earnings of $51,732 vs $48,707 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSpring Arbor UniversityRochester Christian University
Net price / yr$19,353$21,456
Total net cost$77,412$85,824
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,732$48,707
Median debt$26,375$24,475
Payback23 yrs247.3 yrs
20-year net return-$9,972-$78,884

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Spring Arbor University or Rochester Christian University?

Spring Arbor University, at $19,353 a year after aid versus $21,456 — a gap of $2,103 a year, or $8,412 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Spring Arbor University or Rochester Christian University graduates earn more?

Spring Arbor University graduates report a median $51,732 ten years after entry, $3,025 more than the $48,707 at Rochester Christian University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Spring Arbor University or Rochester Christian University?

Rochester Christian University: its completers carry a median $24,475 in federal loans versus $26,375 at Spring Arbor University, a difference of $1,900. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Spring Arbor University, against 44% at Rochester Christian University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Spring Arbor University vs Rochester Christian University: frequently asked questions

Is Spring Arbor University or Rochester Christian University a better value?
Spring Arbor University. It clears its $77,412 net cost in about 23 years versus 247.3 years at Rochester Christian University, on median earnings of $51,732 vs $48,707 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Spring Arbor University or Rochester Christian University?
Spring Arbor University: $19,353/yr net price after aid versus $21,456/yr at Rochester Christian University — a difference of $2,103 a year, or about $8,412 over four years.
Do Spring Arbor University or Rochester Christian University graduates earn more?
Spring Arbor University graduates earn a median $51,732 ten years after entry, versus $48,707 at Rochester Christian University — a $3,025 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.