Ferris State University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Ferris State University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced ($10,825 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 46.6% lower than at University of California Merced ($11,462 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $845 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 237.1% higher at UC Merced than at Ferris State University (about $35,045 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at University of California Merced (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 69.3% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($27,292 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (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 UC Merced).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Ferris State University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $4,280 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($19,899 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($205 vs. $250).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.