Friends University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Friends University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Friends University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Friends University 12:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Friends University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Friends University or Ferrum College? 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 Friends University ($20,082 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Friends University are 14.6% lower than at Ferrum College ($11,295 vs. $13,230).
• Friends University is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $5,672 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at Friends University than at Ferrum College (about $5,672 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Friends University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 59.6% larger than aid received by Friends University students ($34,444 vs. $21,579).

Friends University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Friends University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 960/1090; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Friends University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.7% at Friends University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Friends University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Friends University and Ferrum College? 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 Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Friends University graduates have a $3,488 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($24,512 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Friends University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($253 vs. $289).
• More Friends University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.