Ferris State University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (22,011 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 Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Ferris State University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or GVSU? 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 GVSU ($10,825 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 0.8% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($11,462 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $362 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.8% higher at GVSU than at Ferris State University (about $6,770 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Grand Valley State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 44.1% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($16,117 vs. $11,188).

Ferris State University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Ferris State University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $821 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.