Aurora University vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL 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 Aurora University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

Aurora University vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora 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 Aurora University ($10,825 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 15.6% lower than at Aurora University ($11,462 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 97.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $14,392 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.4% higher at Aurora University than at Ferris State University (about $14,392 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University as at Ferris State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($21,513 vs. $16,117).

Aurora University vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Aurora University vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora 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).

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $1,842 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($230 vs. $250).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.