Bowie State University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Bowie State University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or Ferrum College? 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 Bowie State University than Ferrum College ($17,287 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 7.5% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,241 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 209.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $19,302 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43% higher at Ferrum College than at Bowie State University (about $8,582 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Bowie State University (98% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 405.1% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($34,444 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or Ferrum College? 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 Ferrum College and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 50 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027; Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Bowie State University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and Ferrum College? 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $3,609 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($24,391 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($252 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 29%)

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.