Ferris State University vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Ferris State University vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or SAU? 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 SAU ($10,825 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 0.2% lower than at Ferris State University ($11,440 vs. $11,462).
• Spring Arbor University is 130.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $19,236 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.2% higher at SAU than at Ferris State University (about $19,236 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 48.1% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($23,877 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 120 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• 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; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Ferris State University vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $136 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($24,043 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($248 vs. $250).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.