Ferris State University vs. RIC

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with Rhode Island College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than RIC based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 6,155 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Rhode Island College is in Providence, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Rhode Island College 15:1.

Ferris State University vs. RIC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or RIC? 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 Rhode Island College than Ferris State University ($10,346 vs. $10,825).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 14.6% lower than at Rhode Island College ($11,462 vs. $13,414).
• Ferris State University is 30.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RIC (about $3,478 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $11,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.7% higher at RIC than at Ferris State University (about $12,521 more per year; $27,299.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Rhode Island College (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 140.3% larger than aid received by Rhode Island College students ($16,117 vs. $6,706).

Ferris State University vs. RIC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 10 points higher than at RIC (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Rhode Island College 870/1120.
• 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; RIC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RIC Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at RIC (3.08).
• RIC has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 23.1% at RIC.

Ferris State University vs. RIC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Rhode Island College's (44%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than RIC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island College graduates have a $2,979 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($21,200 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, RIC graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($219 vs. $250).
• More RIC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 58%)

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.