Anderson University vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, 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 Anderson University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

Anderson University vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University 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 Anderson University ($10,825 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 10.5% lower than at Anderson University ($11,462 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 152% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $22,462 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 152% higher at Anderson University than at Ferris State University (about $22,462 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 61% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($25,946 vs. $16,117).

Anderson University vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University 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 Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Anderson University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Anderson University vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.