Nelson University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Nelson University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nelson University 15:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Nelson University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nelson 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 Nelson University ($20,082 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 27.5% lower than at Ferrum College ($9,598 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $3,456 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.8% higher at Ferrum College than at Nelson University (about $3,456 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Nelson University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 185.3% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($34,444 vs. $12,075).

Nelson University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nelson University (990) is the same as at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nelson University 890/1090; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nelson University - Required; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 56.8% at Nelson University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Nelson University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nelson 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($26,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($271 vs. $289).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.