Marian vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Marian University in Indianapolis, IN 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 Marian based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 3,486 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marian University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marian University 13:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

Marian vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marian 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 Marian ($10,825 vs. $22,786).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 17.2% lower than at Marian University ($11,462 vs. $13,850).
• Marian University is 175.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $25,886 more per year; $40,664.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 175.2% higher at Marian than at Ferris State University (about $25,886 more per year; $40,664.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Marian University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 100.7% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($32,351 vs. $16,117).

Marian vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marian 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 Marian.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerris 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: Marian - Test-free; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marian Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marian students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Marian has a higher acceptance rate (95.5%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Marian vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Marian vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Marian graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than Marian graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marian students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 57%)

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.