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Ferrum College vs Radford University

Ferrum College is a private college in Ferrum, VA, and Radford University is a public university in Radford, VA. Ferrum College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 90% at Radford University. Radford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,578 a year against $20,082 at Ferrum College. About 49% of students graduate at Radford University, compared with 30% at Ferrum College. Ten years after enrolling, Radford University alumni earn a median of about $53,739, against $44,296 for Ferrum College.

Ferrum College

Ferrum, VA · Private

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ferrum, VA
Radford, VA
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
699
6,038
Acceptance rate
89%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.18–3.68
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1100
940–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,082
$14,578
Full cost / yr
$54,526
$28,405
In-state tuition
$28,520
$12,548
Out-of-state tuition
$28,520
$25,633
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,940
$8,965
$30k - $48k
$16,493
$8,724
$48k - $75k
$19,967
$12,069
$75k - $110k
$22,505
$17,092
Over $110k
$24,346
$23,533
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
49%
Freshman retention
64%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,418
$44,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,296
$53,739
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
37%
First-generation students
39%
31%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 Ferrum College or Radford University harder to get into?
Ferrum College is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 90% at Radford 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, Ferrum College or Radford University?
Radford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,578 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,082 at Ferrum 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 Ferrum College and Radford University?
Before aid, Radford University costs about $28,405 a year and Ferrum College about $54,526. 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, Ferrum College or Radford University?
Radford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,965 there, against about $16,940 at Ferrum College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Ferrum College or Radford University?
Radford University is the larger of the two, with about 6,038 undergraduates against 699 at Ferrum College.
Does Ferrum College or Radford University have a better graduation rate?
Radford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 30% at Ferrum College.
Do graduates of Ferrum College or Radford University earn more?
Radford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,739 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,296 for Ferrum College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ferrum College and Radford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Ferrum College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Radford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Ferrum College and Radford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1100 at Ferrum College and 940–1160 at Radford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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