GSU vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ferris State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

GSU vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Ferris State 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 Ferris State University than GSU ($10,825 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 2.3% lower than at Governors State University ($11,462 vs. $11,736).
• Ferris State University is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $2,774 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at Ferris State University than at Governors State University (about $2,774 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Governors State University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($16,117 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Ferris State 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 Ferris State University and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 60 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

GSU vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Ferris State 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 Ferris State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,929 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($178 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 48%)

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.