Ferris State University vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 5,324 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

Ferris State University vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or MSU? 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 MSU ($10,825 vs. $11,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midwestern State University are 2.9% lower than at Ferris State University ($11,124 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 39.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $4,198 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Ferris State University than at Midwestern State University (about $2,248 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Midwestern State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 46% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($16,117 vs. $11,037).

Ferris State University vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or MSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MSU and Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is the same as at MSU (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ferris State University 890/1120; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ferris State University 20/24; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; MSU - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) 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 MSU.

Ferris State University vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and MSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $1,880 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($22,299 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($230 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU 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.