University of West Alabama vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL 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 University of West Alabama based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama ($10,825 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 28.2% lower than at Ferris State University ($8,230 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 34.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Alabama (about $3,788 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $10,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at University of West Alabama than at Ferris State University (about $5,312 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at University of West Alabama (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 78.3% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($16,117 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

University of West Alabama vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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).

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,310 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($24,179 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($250 vs. $273).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 36%)

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.