Central Michigan University vs Ferris State University
Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI, and Ferris State University is a public university in Big Rapids, MI. Central Michigan University 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 $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 60% of students graduate at Central Michigan University, compared with 47% at Ferris State University. Ten years after enrolling, Central Michigan University alumni earn a median of about $55,874, against $54,735 for Ferris State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
Big Rapids, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,035
8,106
Acceptance rate
90%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
20–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$8,624
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$27,048
In-state tuition
$14,760
$14,778
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$14,778
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$2,556
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$4,315
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$7,638
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$12,485
Over $110k
$21,403
$18,603
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
47%
Freshman retention
75%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$47,339
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$54,735
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
34%
First-generation students
29%
35%
International students
3%
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.
- Is Central Michigan University or Ferris State University harder to get into?
- Central Michigan University 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, Central Michigan University or Ferris State University?
- Ferris State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,624 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,597 at Central Michigan University. 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 Central Michigan University and Ferris State University?
- Before aid, Ferris State University costs about $27,048 a year and Central Michigan University about $30,681. 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, Central Michigan University or Ferris State University?
- Ferris State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,556 there, against about $12,185 at Central Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Central Michigan University or Ferris State University?
- Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 8,106 at Ferris State University.
- Does Central Michigan University or Ferris State University have a better graduation rate?
- Central Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 47% at Ferris State University.
- Do graduates of Central Michigan University or Ferris State University earn more?
- Central Michigan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,735 for Ferris State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central Michigan University and Ferris State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Michigan University 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 Central Michigan University and Ferris State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 890–1120 at Ferris State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Central Michigan University vs University of Michigan-DearbornCentral Michigan University vs Saginaw Valley State UniversityCentral Michigan University vs Eastern Michigan UniversityFerris State University vs University of Michigan-DearbornFerris State University vs Saginaw Valley State UniversityFerris State University vs Eastern Michigan University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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