EIU vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, 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 EIU based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 8,505 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

EIU vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 EIU ($10,825 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 6.7% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($11,462 vs. $12,282).
• Ferris State University is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $1,099 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at EIU than at Ferris State University (about $1,439 more per year; $16,217.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Eastern Illinois University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($16,117 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

EIU vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $529 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($23,650 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($244 vs. $250).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.