Ferris State University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Ferris State University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University ($10,825 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 17.7% lower than at Ferris State University ($9,432 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 32.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $3,618 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.8% higher at Francis Marion University than at Ferris State University (about $6,766 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Francis Marion University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 34.4% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($16,117 vs. $11,988).

Ferris State University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Ferris State University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $6,821 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($24,179 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($250 vs. $320).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 42%)

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.