Ferris State University vs. Grand Rapids Community College

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Rapids Community College is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (12,468 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Grand Rapids Community College is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Rapids Community College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Grand Rapids Community College 19:1.

Ferris State University vs. Grand Rapids Community College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Grand Rapids Community 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 Grand Rapids Community College than Ferris State University ($9,720 vs. $10,825).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Rapids Community College are 19.5% lower than at Ferris State University ($9,227 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 78.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grand Rapids Community College (about $6,489 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $8,289.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Ferris State University than at Grand Rapids Community College (about $2,559 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $12,219.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Grand Rapids Community College (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 156.3% larger than aid received by Grand Rapids Community College students ($16,117 vs. $6,288).

Ferris State University vs. Grand Rapids Community College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or Grand Rapids Community 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 Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University.

• Grand Rapids Community College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Grand Rapids Community College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Grand Rapids Community College (3.0).

Ferris State University vs. Grand Rapids Community College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community 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).

• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Grand Rapids Community College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Rapids Community College graduates have a $14,971 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($9,208 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Grand Rapids Community College graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($95 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grand Rapids Community College students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 34%)

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.