Ferris State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Ferris State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University ($10,825 vs. $11,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 7.1% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($11,462 vs. $12,340).
• Ferris State University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $1,848 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Ferris State University (about $15,672 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Saginaw Valley State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($16,117 vs. $13,512).

Ferris State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saginaw Valley State University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Saginaw Valley State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Ferris State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 48%)

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.