Ferris State University vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Marian University 11:1.

Ferris State University vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Marian 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 Marian University ($10,825 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 14.1% lower than at Ferris State University ($9,849 vs. $11,462).
• Marian University is 138% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $20,400 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 138% higher at Marian University than at Ferris State University (about $20,400 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 35.3% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($21,805 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 70 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Marian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 18% at Marian University.

Ferris State University vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Marian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.