St. Ambrose University vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA 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 St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Ambrose University is located in Davenport, IA (Small City setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Ambrose University 11:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

St. Ambrose University vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($10,825 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 14.3% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($11,462 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 148.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $21,880 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.1% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Ferris State University (about $21,880 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 60.6% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($25,877 vs. $16,117).

St. Ambrose University vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming St. Ambrose University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Ferris State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 930/1170; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 20/25; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Ambrose University - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Ambrose University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at St. Ambrose University vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

St. Ambrose University vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Ferris State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $1,585 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($250 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.