Ferris State University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Northwood 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 Northwood University ($10,825 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 12.5% lower than at Northwood University ($11,462 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 132.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $19,622 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.8% higher at Northwood University than at Ferris State University (about $19,622 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 44.9% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($23,349 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Ferris State University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $2,404 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($21,775 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($225 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 54%)

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.