Western Illinois University vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Ferris State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 6,332 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 1.2% lower than at Ferris State University ($11,320 vs. $11,462).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Western Illinois University than at Ferris State University (about $486 more per year; $15,264 vs. $14,778).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Western Illinois University (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 7.5% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($16,117 vs. $14,994).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Ferris State University than at Western Illinois University (22 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, test optional at Ferris State University.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.15 higher than at Ferris State University (3.3).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $525 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($24,179 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($250 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 58%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.