Ferris State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Ferris State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Shepherd 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 Shepherd University ($10,825 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 11.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,462 vs. $12,916).
• Ferris State University is 63.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $5,722 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.1% higher at Shepherd University than at Ferris State University (about $4,304 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 95.6% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($16,117 vs. $8,241).

Ferris State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is the same as at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Ferris State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,956 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($229 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University 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.