Ferris State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Southwest Minnesota State University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 8,214 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University ($10,825 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 3.8% lower than at Ferris State University ($11,028 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 42.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $4,417 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.6% higher at Ferris State University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $4,417 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 85.8% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($16,117 vs. $8,674).

Ferris State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwest Minnesota State University (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 Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Ferris State University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $2,501 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($21,678 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($224 vs. $250).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.