Ferris State University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Northland College in Ashland, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Northland College 5:1.

Ferris State University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Northland College? 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 Northland College ($10,825 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 1.2% lower than at Northland College ($11,462 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 200.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $29,625 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 200.5% higher at Northland College than at Ferris State University (about $29,625 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 108.3% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($33,572 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (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 Northland College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have the same average high school GPA (3.3) as students at Northland College (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

Ferris State University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northland College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,764 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($24,179 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($250 vs. $278).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.