Ferris State University vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Northern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 7,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

Ferris State University vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University ($10,825 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 13.7% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($11,462 vs. $13,274).
• Ferris State University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $501 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.8% higher at Northern Michigan University than at Ferris State University (about $4,995 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Northern Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 34.2% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($16,117 vs. $12,012).

Ferris State University vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan 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; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northern Michigan University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Northern Michigan University (84%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

Ferris State University vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $1,887 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($22,292 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University 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 Northern Michigan 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.