Ferris State University vs. OC Comets

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than OC Comets based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 979 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); The University of Olivet is in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; The University of Olivet 17:1.

Ferris State University vs. OC Comets Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or OC Comets? 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 OC Comets ($10,825 vs. $19,362).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 8.8% lower than at The University of Olivet ($11,462 vs. $12,567).
• The University of Olivet is 130.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $19,290 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.5% higher at OC Comets than at Ferris State University (about $19,290 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Olivet than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Olivet students is 72.8% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($27,858 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. OC Comets Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State University or OC Comets? 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 OC Comets and Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Olivet (1020) is 10 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 OC Comets).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; OC Comets - Test-free.
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than OC Comets (83.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 20.4% at OC Comets.

Ferris State University vs. OC Comets Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and OC Comets? 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).

• The University of Olivet's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than OC Comets graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than OC Comets graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OC Comets graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OC Comets students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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.