IWU vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is located in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

IWU vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Ferris 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 IWU ($10,825 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 5.2% lower than at Ferris State University ($10,868 vs. $11,462).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 118.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $17,574 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 118.9% higher at IWU than at Ferris State University (about $17,574 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 32.8% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($21,405 vs. $16,117).

IWU vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 60 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than IWU (88.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

IWU vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Ferris 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $75 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($24,104 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($249 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 55%)

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.