Ferris State University vs. Michigan Tech

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Michigan Tech based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 7,403 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Michigan Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Michigan Tech? 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 Michigan Tech ($10,825 vs. $16,879).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 12.2% lower than at Michigan Technological University ($11,462 vs. $13,050).
• Michigan Technological University is 29.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $4,345 more per year; $19,123.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 190.9% higher at Michigan Tech than at Ferris State University (about $28,210 more per year; $42,988.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University as at Michigan Technological University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan Technological University students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($19,898 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Michigan Tech Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan Technological University (1240) is 230 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Michigan Tech students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Michigan Technological University 1130/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Michigan Technological University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Michigan Tech - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Michigan Tech has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 12.9% at Michigan Tech.

Ferris State University vs. Michigan Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Michigan Technological University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $19,000 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,721 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($24,179 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($250 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.