Rockford University vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, 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 Rockford University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

Rockford University vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University 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 Rockford University ($10,825 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 0.4% lower than at Ferris State University ($11,420 vs. $11,462).
• Rockford University is 155.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $23,002 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 155.7% higher at Rockford University than at Ferris State University (about $23,002 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Rockford University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 59.3% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($25,671 vs. $16,117).

Rockford University vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 50 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Ferris State University (91.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Rockford University vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University 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).

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $821 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 58%)

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.