Ferrum College vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferrum College vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Ferrum College ($11,055 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferrum College are 2.2% lower than at West Virginia State University ($13,230 vs. $13,522).
• Ferrum College is 198% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $18,950 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.3% higher at Ferrum College than at West Virginia State University (about $13,530 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at West Virginia State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 283% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($34,444 vs. $8,993).

Ferrum College vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College or WVSU? 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 WVSU and Ferrum College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 90 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Ferrum College vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($23,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($240 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 35%)

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.