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 table 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.

Western Illinois University vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University 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 Western Illinois University ($10,825 vs. $14,208).
• 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).
• Western Illinois University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $486 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Western Illinois University than at Ferris State University (about $486 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• 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).

Western Illinois University vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University 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 Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferris State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University 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).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Ferris State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.