Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University has been recognized across the globe for its achievements. Recent accomplishments include:

• The undergraduate formula racing team was ranked first worldwide for its student-engineered race car.
• The pre-licensure nursing program is the largest in Michigan and had an outstanding pass rate for the national licensing exam.
• The Moot Court team was placed at number 18 out of 400 competitors across the USA.
• SVSU is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for Community Engagement. Only 7% of universities carry this designation.

SVSU is currently undergoing a USD 25 million extension on the Scott L. Carmona College of Business & Management building, planned to be complete by 2020. This 38,500-square-foot expansion will vastly improve the facilities available to students, helping them towards academic success. New facilities will include an analytics lab and trading room which will track stock data in actual time. The development also aims to inspire industry professionals to get involved with the education of the college’s students.

With an average class size of 24 students, SVSU’s courses encourage student participation and one-on-one interaction with professors. Students aren’t expected to have a clear idea of what they want to do or what their abilities are, instead, professors are there to inspire students to ask questions and be bold, while advisors assist students with solidifying their academic plans.

There are five colleges at Saginaw Valley State University, and all offer a variety of exciting programs. The five colleges are:

College of Arts & Behavioural Sciences

With 14 academic programs, this is the largest college at SVSU. The college is committed to the belief that knowledge in the liberal arts and social sciences is the key for a successful future.

College of Business & Management

Teaching is provided with true case studies, hands-on experience and opportunities to travel. The college seeks to develop students so that they are ready to succeed in the contemporary business world. A key achievement is its accreditation by AACSB-International – an award that less than 5% of business schools across the globe have been given.

College of Education

Students can study teacher certification programs in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education and special education. The college ensures that everyone has 300 hours of field-experience prior to practicing as student teachers.

College of Health & Human Services

Specialization is encouraged as the college provides knowledge and teaches skills in areas which particularly interest students the most. Programs blend theory with clinical or fieldwork experience so that everyone is well prepared for a professional career in the healthcare sector.

College of Science, Engineering & Technology

The college is made up of seven academic departments, all of which provide a diverse selection of undergraduate courses. Students are encouraged to analyze, think critically and uniquely to face problematic issues of the world today.

Every international student who wishes to study at Saginaw Valley State University is required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent. Alternative routes include passing SVSU’s English Language Program, gaining 24 academic credits at a US community college or university, or passing an English course which is equivalent to SVSU’s English 111. Students will also need a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

When applying to SVSU, international students are required to fill in an online application which includes a fee of USD 90. Students will have to submit a copy of their passport and high school transcripts in English, prove their funding support, and send an official record of their English language test results (or equivalent) to SVSU.

US regulations require that undergraduate international students register at least 12 credit hours every semester to maintain their visa status. Each academic year is made up of two semesters.

SVSU has more detailed information on undergraduate admissions via its website.

Tuition fees for international students at Saginaw Valley State University are subject to change but can range from USD 24,549–34,772 depending on the course. This fee includes other necessary costs such as accommodation, meals and health insurance.

There are several scholarships available to those who meet the criteria. No formal applications are required for any of the following:

• President’s International Scholarship – Up to USD 1,500 a year is given to international students for academic excellence. This is a competitive award requiring an SAT or ACT score for consideration.
• SV Red & White Award – Around USD 50,000 in tuition discount is given to international students for excellent GPA and entrance exam results. The SAT or ACT are not required.
• SVSU Yes Alumni Scholarship – USD 1,500 a year for the duration of a course is given to international students for academic excellence and engagement in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program.
• GAC Pathway Scholarship – One USD 2,000 scholarship is given to international students who are graduates of the Global Assessment Program (GAC) from an approved center anywhere across the globe.

On-campus accommodation at Saginaw Valley State University is ranked number one in the state of Michigan and number two in the country for public universities. All accommodation options on SVSU’s campus are comfortable, safe, and fully furnished. Each flat includes a full kitchen, private bathroom, and the cost includes bills such as electricity and heating. Purchasing a meal plan is optional, so international students can dine on campus in the Marketplace or cook their own meals - a very economical option. The International Office provides free transportation twice per week to nearby grocery stores. Accommodation can be accessed during holiday periods, and there is plenty of free car parking available.

There are several health and wellbeing facilities for students to use. The Campus Recreation team organizes a variety of recreational activities for everyone to participate in and enjoy. This includes intramural sports, Cardinal fitness programs, personal training and outdoor adventures. The Ryder Center has many exercise facilities, including a fitness center, Olympic-size swimming and diving pool, an indoor track, basketball courts, dance studios and more. The University Health Center is available for students who require medical assistance, and the Student Counseling Center provides ample mental health support, including prevention programs and free walk-in counseling.

The SVSU Program Board, run by students, organizes a range of events on campus for students and the nearby community. Events include Welcome Week, movie nights, picnics and conferences. Students can join a Registered Student Organization (RSO), which are based on a common area of interest. RSOs can have an educational, professional, social or global focus. Joining or even forming a new one is a great opportunity for students to meet new people and enhance their CVs.

The Zahnow Library includes a huge range of resources for students to utilize, and there is tutoring available for specific subject areas.

Students who attend Saginaw Valley State University can be confident that their education will make them attractive in the graduate market. Many programs have earned additional accreditations beyond the university’s Higher Learning Commission accreditation, and SVSU strives to prepare all who study there for a successful future. Classes encourage critical thinking and exploration of relevant issues so students will gain a broad academic understanding, helping them to thrive after university regardless of what they choose to do as a profession.

Most programs at SVSU combine theory with skill-based learning and are tailored to the demands of graduate programs and the professional world. Numerous SVSU graduates continue their education at esteemed medical, law and graduate schools across the USA, with alumni found in all 50 states. Rates of employment and graduate education for SVSU averages at 95%. Several programs, including Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, and Accounting have 100% placement rates following graduation.