Ferris State University vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

Ferris State University vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron ($10,825 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 3.7% lower than at University of Akron Main Campus ($11,462 vs. $11,904).
• Ferris State University is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $1,643 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.9% higher at University of Akron than at Ferris State University (about $6,037 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at University of Akron Main Campus (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 39.5% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($16,117 vs. $11,551).

Ferris State University vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

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

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Akron Main Campus (1050) is 40 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

Ferris State University vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State University and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $1,321 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($250 vs. $263).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron 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.