Ferris State University vs Northern Michigan University
Ferris State University is a public university in Big Rapids, MI, and Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, MI. Northern Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% 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 $14,085 at Northern Michigan University. About 52% of students graduate at Northern Michigan University, compared with 47% at Ferris State University. Ten years after enrolling, Ferris State University alumni earn a median of about $54,735, against $47,107 for Northern Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Big Rapids, MI
Marquette, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,106
6,556
Acceptance rate
91%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1120
970–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,624
$14,085
Full cost / yr
$27,048
$27,841
In-state tuition
$14,778
$14,277
Out-of-state tuition
$14,778
$19,773
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,556
$7,697
$30k - $48k
$4,315
$7,185
$48k - $75k
$7,638
$11,051
$75k - $110k
$12,485
$16,324
Over $110k
$18,603
$22,268
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
52%
Freshman retention
78%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,339
$37,996
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,735
$47,107
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$21,474
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
28%
First-generation students
35%
28%
International students
1%
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 Ferris State University or Northern Michigan University harder to get into?
- Northern Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 84% 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, Ferris State University or Northern Michigan University?
- Ferris State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,624 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,085 at Northern 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 Ferris State University and Northern Michigan University?
- Before aid, Ferris State University costs about $27,048 a year and Northern Michigan University about $27,841. 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, Ferris State University or Northern Michigan University?
- Ferris State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,556 there, against about $7,697 at Northern Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Ferris State University or Northern Michigan University?
- Ferris State University is the larger of the two, with about 8,106 undergraduates against 6,556 at Northern Michigan University.
- Does Ferris State University or Northern Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Northern Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 47% at Ferris State University.
- Do graduates of Ferris State University or Northern Michigan University earn more?
- Ferris State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,735 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,107 for Northern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Ferris State University and Northern Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Ferris State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Michigan University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Ferris State University and Northern Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1120 at Ferris State University and 970–1190 at Northern Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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