Ferris State University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferris State University 15:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Ferris State University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State University or WMU? 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 WMU ($10,825 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 5.8% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,462 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $474 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.8% higher at WMU than at Ferris State University (about $4,256 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 45.9% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($16,117 vs. $11,048).

Ferris State University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 100 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Ferris State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Ferris State University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,454 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($24,179 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($250 vs. $275).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 54%)

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.