Alma College vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI 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 Alma College based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alma College vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College 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 Alma College ($10,825 vs. $22,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 19.2% lower than at Alma College ($11,462 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 235.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $34,774 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 235.3% higher at Alma College than at Ferris State University (about $34,774 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 158.2% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($41,618 vs. $16,117).

Alma College vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alma College 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 Alma College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Alma College vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College 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).

• Alma College's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.