Ferris State University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Ferris State University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Bethany 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 Ferris State University than Bethany College ($10,825 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 13.2% lower than at Bethany College ($11,462 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 148.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $21,987 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.8% higher at Bethany College than at Ferris State University (about $21,987 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 96.4% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($31,646 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or Bethany 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 Bethany College and Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Bethany College (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Ferris State University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Bethany 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Bethany College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $6,705 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,179 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($250 vs. $319).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethany College students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 56%)

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.