Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lenoir Rhyne University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (2,256 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($20,082 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferrum College are 1.3% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($13,230 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $3,380 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Ferrum College (about $3,380 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 46.8% larger than aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students ($34,444 vs. $23,467).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerrum College 880/1100.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lenoir Rhyne University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.