Rockford University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rockford University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Rockford University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Rockford University ($20,082 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 13.7% lower than at Ferrum College ($11,420 vs. $13,230).
• Rockford University is 32.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $9,260 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.5% higher at Rockford University than at Ferrum College (about $9,260 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University as at Ferrum College (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 34.2% larger than aid received by Rockford University students ($34,444 vs. $25,671).

Rockford University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 30 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Rockford University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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).

• The graduation rate at Rockford University is the same as at Ferrum College (31% vs. 31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($25,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($258 vs. $289).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.