Ferris State University vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State ($10,825 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 24.1% lower than at Cleveland State University ($11,462 vs. $15,104).
• Ferris State University is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $1,790 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at Cleveland State than at Ferris State University (about $3,732 more per year; $18,510.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Cleveland State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 64.5% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($16,117 vs. $9,795).

Ferris State University vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is the same as at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Cleveland State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cleveland State students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Cleveland State (91.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

Ferris State University vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $2,679 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($222 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 47%)

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.