Ferris State University vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

Ferris State University vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Lake Superior 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 Lake Superior State University ($10,825 vs. $12,339).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 0% lower than at Ferris State University ($11,459 vs. $11,462).
• Lake Superior State University is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $112 more per year; $14,890.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Lake Superior State University than at Ferris State University (about $112 more per year; $14,890.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Lake Superior State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 10.1% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($16,117 vs. $14,632).

Ferris State University vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 100 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Lake Superior State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Ferris State University vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Lake Superior 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $929 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($240 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 57%)

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.