William Penn University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Penn University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,425 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

William Penn University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Penn 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 William Penn University ($20,082 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 37.9% lower than at Ferrum College ($8,222 vs. $13,230).
• William Penn University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $1,230 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at William Penn University than at Ferrum College (about $1,230 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 70.6% larger than aid received by William Penn University students ($34,444 vs. $20,194).

William Penn University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Penn 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 William Penn University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Penn University (1000) is 10 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 880/1110; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Penn University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.9% at William Penn University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

William Penn University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Penn 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).

• Ferrum College's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than William Penn University's (30%).
• Graduates from William Penn University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($24,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($248 vs. $289).
• More William Penn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.