Ferris State University vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Central 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 Central State University ($10,825 vs. $11,398).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 4.7% lower than at Central State University ($11,462 vs. $12,026).
• Ferris State University is 83.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $6,720 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.9% higher at Ferris State University than at Central State University (about $4,720 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University as at Central State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 15.7% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($18,654 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 150 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Ferris State University vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Central 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 Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $14,821 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($24,179 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $153 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($250 vs. $403).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 16%)

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.