Skip to content

Aquinas College vs Ferris State University

Aquinas College is a private college in Grand Rapids, MI, and Ferris State University is a public university in Big Rapids, MI. Aquinas College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 90% of applicants against 91% at Ferris State University. Ferris State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,624 a year against $16,626 at Aquinas College. About 64% of students graduate at Aquinas College, compared with 47% at Ferris State University. Ten years after enrolling, Ferris State University alumni earn a median of about $54,735, against $49,584 for Aquinas College.

Aquinas College

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Big Rapids, MI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,083
8,106
Acceptance rate
90%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1140
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
20–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,626
$8,624
Full cost / yr
$51,652
$27,048
In-state tuition
$40,218
$14,778
Out-of-state tuition
$40,218
$14,778
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,725
$2,556
$30k - $48k
$11,222
$4,315
$48k - $75k
$13,594
$7,638
$75k - $110k
$15,468
$12,485
Over $110k
$21,093
$18,603
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
47%
Freshman retention
78%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,161
$47,339
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,584
$54,735
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
34%
First-generation students
22%
35%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Aquinas College or Ferris State University harder to get into?
Aquinas College is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 91% at Ferris State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Aquinas College or Ferris State University?
Ferris State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,624 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,626 at Aquinas College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Aquinas College and Ferris State University?
Before aid, Ferris State University costs about $27,048 a year and Aquinas College about $51,652. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Aquinas College or Ferris State University?
Ferris State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,556 there, against about $10,725 at Aquinas College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Aquinas College or Ferris State University?
Ferris State University is the larger of the two, with about 8,106 undergraduates against 1,083 at Aquinas College.
Does Aquinas College or Ferris State University have a better graduation rate?
Aquinas College has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 47% at Ferris State University.
Do graduates of Aquinas College or Ferris State University earn more?
Ferris State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,735 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,584 for Aquinas College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Aquinas College and Ferris State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Aquinas College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ferris State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Aquinas College and Ferris State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1140 at Aquinas College and 890–1120 at Ferris State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school