CMU vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

CMU vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU 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 CMU ($10,825 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 8.8% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,462 vs. $12,564).
• Ferris State University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $18 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Ferris State University than at Central Michigan University (about $18 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Central Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 23.6% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($16,117 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU 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 CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 70 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

CMU vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 54%)

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.