Ferris State University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Ferris State University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or WSU? 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 WSU ($10,825 vs. $14,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 19.6% lower than at Wayne State University ($11,462 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $412 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.8% higher at WSU than at Ferris State University (about $17,259 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Wayne State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($16,117 vs. $12,953).

Ferris State University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 160 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming WSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Ferris State University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and WSU? 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $1,921 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($22,258 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($230 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 38%)

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.