Mars Hill University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Mars Hill University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,110 students vs. 763 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mars Hill University is located in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mars Hill University 11:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mars Hill University are 7.3% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,258 vs. $13,230).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.3% higher at Mars Hill University than at Ferrum College (about $9,216 more per year; $37,736 vs. $28,520).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 10.9% larger than aid received by Mars Hill University students ($34,444 vs. $31,066).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Mars Hill University, test optional at Ferrum College.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Enrolled first-year students at Mars Hill University average a 3.5 high school GPA, 0.36 higher than at Ferrum College (3.14).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at Mars Hill University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mars Hill University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Mars Hill University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation (53% vs. 49%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.