ATU vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR with Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than ATU based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 8,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Arkansas Tech University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas Tech University 17:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

ATU vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU or Ferris State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ferris State University than ATU ($10,825 vs. $12,626).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas Tech University are 9.8% lower than at Ferris State University ($10,338 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 70.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $6,104 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Ferris State University than at Arkansas Tech University (about $110 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $14,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Arkansas Tech University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 62.8% larger than aid received by Arkansas Tech University students ($16,117 vs. $9,901).

ATU vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ATU or Ferris State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ferris State University and ATU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at ATU (990).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at ATU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman ATU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

ATU vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU and Ferris State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Arkansas Tech University's (43%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than ATU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $6,429 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($17,750 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($183 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ATU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.