Ferris State University vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 8,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Ferris State University vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University ($10,825 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 14.8% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,462 vs. $13,450).
• Ferris State University is 120.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $8,079 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.5% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Ferris State University (about $4,957 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at North Carolina Central University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 34.3% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($16,117 vs. $11,999).

Ferris State University vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or North Carolina Central University? 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 North Carolina Central University and Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ferris State University 890/1120; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ferris State University 20/24; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Ferris State University vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and North Carolina Central University? 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 North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $6,821 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($24,179 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($250 vs. $320).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 23%)

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.