Ferrum College vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,077 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Ferrum College vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Ferrum College ($9,541 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Potomac State College of West Virginia University are 4.9% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,580 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 440.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $23,240 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.1% higher at Ferrum College than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $15,320 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 399.9% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($34,444 vs. $6,890).

Ferrum College vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and Ferrum College.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University 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; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

Ferrum College vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $3,999 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($24,001 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($248 vs. $289).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.