Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is located in Magnolia, AR (Remote Town setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 16:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($10,825 vs. $13,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 31% lower than at Ferris State University ($7,911 vs. $11,462).
• Ferris State University is 48.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $4,818 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $9,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at Ferris State University (about $912 more per year; $15,690.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus as at Ferris State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 39.5% larger than aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students ($16,117 vs. $11,552).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's (34%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $7,159 lower median loan debt than Ferris State University graduates ($17,020 vs. $24,179).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferris State University graduates ($175 vs. $250).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 44%)

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.