Saginaw Valley State University

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 (ranked #1 in Michigan), 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 a reality. We believe in a 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 creates leaders and empowers 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, 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.