Ferris State University vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

Ferris State University vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Michigan State? 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 Michigan State ($10,825 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 8.8% lower than at Michigan State University ($11,462 vs. $12,564).
• Michigan State University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $1,680 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 196.7% higher at Michigan State than at Ferris State University (about $29,064 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Michigan State University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 65.3% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($16,117 vs. $9,750).

Ferris State University vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or Michigan State? 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 Michigan State and Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 260 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Michigan State (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

Ferris State University vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Michigan State? 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).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $1,305 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($250 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.