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Ferrum College vs Virginia Commonwealth University

Ferrum College is a private college in Ferrum, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. Ferrum College admits about 89% of applicants and Virginia Commonwealth University about 93%, making Ferrum College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,082 a year at Ferrum College after aid, and about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 64% of students graduate at Virginia Commonwealth University, compared with 30% at Ferrum College. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn a median of about $58,128, against $44,296 for Ferrum College.

Ferrum College

Ferrum, VA · Private

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ferrum, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
699
20,753
Acceptance rate
89%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.18–3.68
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1100
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,082
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$54,526
$38,954
In-state tuition
$28,520
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$28,520
$40,109
Application fee
$25
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,940
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$16,493
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$19,967
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$22,505
$24,691
Over $110k
$24,346
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
64%
Freshman retention
64%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,418
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,296
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
31%
First-generation students
39%
28%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

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 Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
Ferrum College is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
Ferrum College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,082 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Ferrum College and Virginia Commonwealth University?
Before aid, Virginia Commonwealth University costs about $38,954 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
Ferrum College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,940 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Ferrum College or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University is the larger of the two, with about 20,753 undergraduates against 699 at Ferrum College.
Does Ferrum College or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Commonwealth University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 30% at Ferrum College.
Do graduates of Ferrum College or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,128 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,296 for Ferrum College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ferrum College and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
Ferrum College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Ferrum College and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1100 at Ferrum College and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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