Ferrum College vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,246 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Marian University 11:1.

Ferrum College vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or Marian 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 Marian University ($20,082 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 25.6% lower than at Ferrum College ($9,849 vs. $13,230).
• Marian University is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $6,658 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.3% higher at Marian University than at Ferrum College (about $6,658 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 58% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($34,444 vs. $21,805).

Ferrum College vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 50 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marian University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 18% at Marian University.

Ferrum College vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marian University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Marian University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 49%)

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.