Ferris State University vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Rochester University 13:1.

Ferris State University vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($10,825 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 8.5% lower than at Ferris State University ($10,486 vs. $11,462).
• Rochester University is 97.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $14,418 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.6% higher at Rochester University than at Ferris State University (about $14,418 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 22.1% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($19,674 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 60 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

Ferris State University vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $224 lower median loan debt than Rochester University graduates ($24,179 vs. $24,403).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rochester University graduates ($250 vs. $252).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 45%)

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.