Ferrum College vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Wheeling University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (774 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

Ferrum College vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University ($20,082 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 5.7% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,470 vs. $13,230).
• Wheeling University is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $1,355 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Wheeling University than at Ferrum College (about $1,355 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Ferrum College (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 57.1% larger than aid received by Wheeling University students ($34,444 vs. $21,931).

Ferrum College vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 80 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Wheeling University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

Ferrum College vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheeling University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Wheeling University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.