Ferrum College vs. Carolina University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA with Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carolina University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (880 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Carolina University is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Midsize City setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carolina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Carolina University 17:1.

Ferrum College vs. Carolina University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or Carolina 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 Ferrum College than Carolina University ($20,082 vs. $20,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carolina University are 6.3% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,400 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 62.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carolina University (about $10,945 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $17,575.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.3% higher at Ferrum College than at Carolina University (about $10,945 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $17,575.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carolina University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 188.3% larger than aid received by Carolina University students ($34,444 vs. $11,947).

Ferrum College vs. Carolina University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College or Carolina 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 Carolina University and Ferrum College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; Carolina University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at Carolina University (3.0).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Carolina University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 26.5% at Carolina University.

Ferrum College vs. Carolina University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and Carolina 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).

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.