This is a quick overview of Saginaw Valley State University, a by the numbers look.
In Fall 2012, SVSU welcomed a freshman class of 1,653 - a decrease from the record-setting 1,777 freshmen who enrolled in 2011. The average high school GPA was 3.21 and ACT score was 21.6, proving to be the best academically-prepared freshmen class in university history. SVSU also has 621 international students, up from 543 the previous year.
SVSU remains the most affordable public university in Michigan. For a full-time student living on campus, the estimated cost of attendance (including room and board, books, and miscellaneous expenses) is $16,001. For academic year 2011-2012, 82% of students receive some form of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
In Fall 2012, the faculty to student ratio was 1:20. Of SVSU's 296 full-time faculty, 75% hold the highest degrees in their field (usually doctorates).
SVSU fields 16 varsity teams. In addition, 19 student-initiated club sports teams have formed in sports ranging from volleyball and swimming to bowling, and more than 5,595 students participated in campus recreation programs in 2011-12, an increase of 26 percent over the prior year.
SVSU's residential facilities, which house more than 2,700 students, have been voted "Michigan's Best Residential Life" by Michigan Organization of Residence Halls Association (MORHA).
The number of students living on campus has skyrocketed from 645 in 1998 to 2,736 this fall.
While the number one priority for students is their academic experience, more than 130 Registered Student Organizations enrich and enhance their extracurriculuar and college experience. For example, Battle of the Valleys is a fund-raising competition between SVSU and intra-state rival Grand Valley State University. In 2012, SVSU raised $30,224 for the Great Lakes Bay Miracle League, and won the competition for the fifth consecutive year!
Some $28 million in new construction was added to the campus in fall 2009 and the new $28 million Health & Human Services building opened fall 2010.
The 2009 additions include a new University Health Center (a joint venture with Covenant HealthCare, $2.6 million); Living Center Southwest ($11.8 million) and an addition to the Arbury Fine Arts Center ($2.6 million).
SVSU impacts The Great Lakes Bay regional economy. Some 85 percent of SVSU's employees reside within the four-county region of Bay, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw Counties, and their total compensation is approximately $49.8 million.
Nearly 75 percent ($117.3 million) of SVSU's total revenue comes from outside the region, while two-thirds ($103.8 million) of expenses are spent within the region.
SVSU values experience in the community. During 2010-2011 nearly 244 students were placed in off-campus career placements in internships and co-ops, an increase of 28 percent. Employers value SVSU students and graduates, as 2,703 employers use the Cardinal Career Network to advertise for internships, co-ops or position openings.
Approximately 85 percent of SVSU grads reside in the state, and more than half reside in the nine-county service region of east central Michigan.
