Union Commonwealth University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union Commonwealth University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than Ferrum College ($17,124 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 37.6% lower than at Ferrum College ($8,261 vs. $13,230).
• Union Commonwealth University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $2,426 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Ferrum College (about $2,426 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 27.8% larger than aid received by Union Commonwealth University students ($34,444 vs. $26,961).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($24,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($248 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 42%)

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.