Ferrum College vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (3,650 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in Harrisburg, PA (Small City setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 18:1.

Ferrum College vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than Ferrum College ($15,984 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are 16.6% lower than at Ferrum College ($11,040 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $4,120 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at Ferrum College than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $4,120 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than at Ferrum College (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 74.8% larger than aid received by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students ($34,444 vs. $19,706).

Ferrum College vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Ferrum College.

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 9.6% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Ferrum College vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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).

• Ferrum College's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's (9%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($26,500 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($274 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 43%)

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.