South Carolina State University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Carolina State University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (3,242 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Carolina State University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Carolina State University 19:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

South Carolina State University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University than Ferrum College ($17,965 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 32% lower than at Ferrum College ($9,000 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 157.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $17,460 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at Ferrum College than at South Carolina State University (about $6,770 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at South Carolina State University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 197.5% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($34,444 vs. $11,579).

South Carolina State University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 60 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 800/1050; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Carolina State University - Test-free; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027; Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman South Carolina State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at South Carolina State University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

South Carolina State University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Carolina State 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).

• South Carolina State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have a $5,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($28,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($289 vs. $343).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 27%)

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.