Adrian, MIprivate nonprofitsienaheights.edu
Siena Heights University is a small, Catholic liberal arts school in Adrian, Michigan, where flexibility meets personal attention. With an acceptance rate hovering around 68%, it's accessible yet purposeful, particularly strong in education and applied sciences. The campus vibe is tight-knit and supportive, with graduates praising its 'prepared, confident, employed' outcomes—though median earnings post-graduation lag slightly behind national averages.
Siena Heights University maintains a moderately selective admissions process, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. that fluctuates between 66.55% and 73% depending on the year and source. The university accepts a majority of applicants, with ACT scores for admitted students typically ranging from 16 to 20. Notably, only 7% of accepted students submit ACT scores, suggesting a Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. or test-flexible policy. The undergraduate enrollment reflects a commitment to accessibility, with a graduation rate of 51%, indicating room for improvement in student retention and completion.
Siena Heights offers a blend of liberal arts and professional programs, with a standout Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree requiring 120 credit hours. The education program is particularly notable, with graduates describing themselves as 'prepared, confident, employed.' Faculty are praised for their willingness to accommodate students balancing academics with other responsibilities, fostering a flexible learning environment. The university's Catholic identity and liberal arts foundation are central to its academic mission, as highlighted in promotional materials.
Student life at Siena Heights revolves around a close-knit, supportive community. The Division of Student Life emphasizes holistic growth—'mind, body, and spirit'—with spaces like the Ledwidge and Sacred Heart courtyard and Sage Union (a nostalgic hangout spot for alumni) serving as social hubs. Students describe the campus as welcoming and diverse, with a mix of quiet study spots and lively gathering areas. Weekend events, including rock bands in Sage Union, have historically been a draw.
Graduates of Siena Heights earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation, slightly below state and national averages. The university's six-year graduation rate ranks #1,016 out of 1,793 institutions nationally, reflecting its challenges with retention. While Money Magazine included SHU in its rankings (spot #658 in 2018), its outcomes are middling compared to peers. The education program's emphasis on employability stands out, but broader institutional performance is mixed.
Siena Heights' Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. averages $17,124–$17,740 after aid, with 100% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. The average grant award is $13,789, and institutional grants average $10,525. The university meets 82% of students' financial need, though this varies by family income. The Net Price Calculator helps estimate costs, but the sticker price before aid is steep for a regional institution with modest post-grad earnings.
Siena Heights distinguishes itself through its flexible, student-centered approach—particularly for non-traditional learners—and its strong education program that produces employable graduates. The campus's intimate scale fosters mentorship, and its Catholic identity adds a values-driven layer to the liberal arts curriculum. While not a powerhouse in rankings or outcomes, it offers a supportive environment where students describe feeling 'seen' by faculty. Its quirks, like the beloved courtyard between Ledwidge and Sacred Heart, give it a homespun charm rare in higher ed.


