Ferris State University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Ferris State University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Mercyhurst 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 Mercyhurst University ($10,825 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 21.2% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,462 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 209.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $30,992 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.7% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Ferris State University (about $30,992 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 110.6% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($33,949 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Ferris State University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,519 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($24,179 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($250 vs. $276).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 56%)

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.