AQ vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, 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 AQ based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AQ vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ 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 AQ ($10,825 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 1.9% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,462 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 172.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $25,440 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 172.1% higher at AQ than at Ferris State University (about $25,440 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 108.1% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($33,535 vs. $16,117).

AQ vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AQ 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 AQ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 20 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming AQ 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: Aquinas College 910/1140; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

AQ vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ 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).

• Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $1,821 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($24,179 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.