Ferris State University vs. Shepherd University

Ferris State University and Shepherd University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Ferris State University
Shepherd University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Ferris State University (91.4% admitted vs 96.8%). Typical SAT 1010 vs 1010.
  • Cheaper after aid: Ferris State University. Average net price is $10,825 vs $11,744 at Shepherd University.
  • Graduation: Ferris State University 45% vs Shepherd University 46%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Ferris State University $47,000 vs Shepherd University $41,500 (median).
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Key differences

Ferris State University Shepherd University
Acceptance rate
Ferris State University more selective
Ferris State University91.4%
Shepherd University96.8%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Shepherd University higher
Ferris State University890-1120
Shepherd University878-1140
Average net price
Ferris State University $919 less
Ferris State University$10,825
Shepherd University$11,744
In-state tuition
Shepherd University $5,722 less
Ferris State University$14,778
Shepherd University$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
Ferris State University $4,304 less
Ferris State University$14,778
Shepherd University$19,082
Graduation rate
Shepherd University +1 pts
Ferris State University45%
Shepherd University46%
Median earnings (10 years)
Ferris State University +$5,500
Ferris State University$47,000
Shepherd University$41,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Ferris State University 12,460
  • Shepherd University 1,646
  • Admitted
  • Ferris State University 11,387
  • Shepherd University 1,593
  • Acceptance rate
  • Ferris State University 91.4%
  • Shepherd University 96.8%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Ferris State University 14.7%
  • Shepherd University 31.7%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Ferris State University 1010
  • Shepherd University 1010
  • Typical ACT score
  • Ferris State University 22
  • Shepherd University 21
  • Average high school GPA
  • Ferris State University 3.3
  • Shepherd University 3.6
  • Typical high school grades
  • Ferris State University B+
  • Shepherd University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Ferris State University Very Easy
  • Shepherd University Very Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Ferris State University
  • Shepherd University
  • SAT range
  • Ferris State University 890-1120
  • Shepherd University 878-1140
  • ACT range
  • Ferris State University 20-24
  • Shepherd University 19-24
  • Submit test scores
  • Ferris State University Test optional
  • Shepherd University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Ferris State University
  • Shepherd University
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Ferris State University $14,778
  • Shepherd University $9,056
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Ferris State University $14,778
  • Shepherd University $19,082
  • Room & board
  • Ferris State University $11,462
  • Shepherd University $12,916
  • Average net price
  • Ferris State University $10,825
  • Shepherd University $11,744
  • Average grant aid
  • Ferris State University $16,117
  • Shepherd University $8,241
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Ferris State University 99%
  • Shepherd University 96%
  • Graduation rate
  • Ferris State University 45%
  • Shepherd University 46%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Ferris State University $47,000
  • Shepherd University $41,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • Ferris State University 58%
  • Shepherd University 53%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Ferris State University $24,179
  • Shepherd University $22,223
  • Median loan payment
  • Ferris State University $250
  • Shepherd University $229
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Ferris State University 15:1
  • Shepherd University 17:1
  • Popular majors
  • Ferris State University
    • Business (19%)
    • Health Professions (19%)
    • Engineering Technology (15%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (11%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (9%)
  • Shepherd University
    • Business (18%)
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities (15%)
    • Education (13%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
    • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (7%)
  • Location
  • Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI
  • Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV
  • Setting
  • Ferris State University Remote Town
  • Shepherd University Town Fringe
  • Total enrollment
  • Ferris State University 9,959
  • Shepherd University 3,339
  • Type
  • Ferris State University Public 4 Year
  • Shepherd University Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Ferris State University #771
  • Shepherd University #891

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Ferris State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 3,339 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 11.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,462 vs. $12,916).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 29.1% higher at Shepherd University than at Ferris State University (about $4,304 more per year; $19,082 vs. $14,778).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 95.6% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($16,117 vs. $8,241).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Ferris State University than at Shepherd University (22 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Ferris State University and Shepherd University.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Shepherd University average a 3.6 high school GPA, 0.3 higher than at Ferris State University (3.3).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,956 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,179).
  • Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($229 vs. $250).
  • More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation (58% vs. 53%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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