Ferris State University vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Black Hills 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 Black Hills State University ($10,825 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 5.7% lower than at Black Hills State University ($11,462 vs. $12,160).
• Ferris State University is 68.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $6,014 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at Ferris State University than at Black Hills State University (about $2,912 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Black Hills State University (99% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 165.5% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($16,117 vs. $6,070).

Ferris State University vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or Black Hills 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 Black Hills State University and Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Black Hills State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

Ferris State University vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Black Hills 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 Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $1,299 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($250 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.