Rockford University vs. Friends University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL with Friends University in Wichita, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Friends University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Friends University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Friends University 12:1.

Rockford University vs. Friends University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University or Friends 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 Rockford University than Friends University ($23,642 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Friends University are 1.1% lower than at Rockford University ($11,295 vs. $11,420).
• Rockford University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Friends University (about $3,588 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $34,192.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at Rockford University than at Friends University (about $3,588 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $34,192.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Friends University than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 19% larger than aid received by Friends University students ($25,671 vs. $21,579).

Rockford University vs. Friends University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University or Friends 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 Friends University and Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Friends University (1030) is 70 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Friends University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Friends University 960/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Friends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Friends University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 44.7% at Friends University.

Rockford University vs. Friends University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University and Friends 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).

• Rockford University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Friends University graduates have a $488 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($24,512 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Friends University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Friends University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 54%)

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.