Ferris State University vs Michigan State University
Both universities offer surprisingly similar admission rates, with Ferris State accepting 87.88% of applicants compared to Michigan State's 87.95%. However, their academic outcomes differ significantly.
Cost and Value: Ferris State provides strong value with identical in-state and out-of-state tuition at $13,630, resulting in an average net price of $12,202. Michigan State charges $15,988 for in-state students but $43,372 for out-of-state residents, creating a much higher average net price of $20,751. Graduates from both schools carry similar debt loads: $21,000 at Ferris State versus $23,250 at Michigan State.
Academic Environment: Michigan State demonstrates stronger academic performance with an 82.20% six-year graduation rate compared to Ferris State's 47.90%. Student retention also favors Michigan State at 91.40% versus 72.84%. Class sizes are comparable, with student-faculty ratios of 15:1 at Ferris State and 17:1 at Michigan State.
Campus Experience: The schools differ dramatically in scale. Michigan State's 40,243 students create a large university atmosphere with NCAA Division I athletics, while Ferris State's 8,087 enrollment offers a more intimate community with NAIA sports.
Career Outcomes: Michigan State graduates earn a median salary of $67,253 after ten years, compared to $54,735 for Ferris State alumni.
Ferris State suits students seeking affordable education, smaller class environments, and career-focused programs, while Michigan State appeals to those wanting comprehensive research university resources, higher earning potential, and big-campus experiences.
Both universities offer surprisingly similar admission rates, with Ferris State accepting 87.88% of applicants compared to Michigan State's 87.95%. However, their academic outcomes differ significantly.
Cost and Value: Ferris State provides strong value with identical in-state and out-of-state tuition at $13,630, resulting in an average net price of $12,202. Michigan State charges $15,988 for in-state students but $43,372 for out-of-state residents, creating a much higher average net price of $20,751. Graduates from both schools carry similar debt loads: $21,000 at Ferris State versus $23,250 at Michigan State.
Academic Environment: Michigan State demonstrates stronger academic performance with an 82.20% six-year graduation rate compared to Ferris State's 47.90%. Student retention also favors Michigan State at 91.40% versus 72.84%. Class sizes are comparable, with student-faculty ratios of 15:1 at Ferris State and 17:1 at Michigan State.
Campus Experience: The schools differ dramatically in scale. Michigan State's 40,243 students create a large university atmosphere with NCAA Division I athletics, while Ferris State's 8,087 enrollment offers a more intimate community with NAIA sports.
Career Outcomes: Michigan State graduates earn a median salary of $67,253 after ten years, compared to $54,735 for Ferris State alumni.
Ferris State suits students seeking affordable education, smaller class environments, and career-focused programs, while Michigan State appeals to those wanting comprehensive research university resources, higher earning potential, and big-campus experiences.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Ferris State University | Michigan State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 87.9% | 88.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,030 | 1,260 |
| Enrollment | 8,087 | 40,243 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,630 | $15,988 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,630 | $43,372 |
| Net Price | $12,202 | $20,751 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.9% | 82.2% |
| Retention Rate | 72.8% | 91.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,735 | $67,253 |
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $23,250 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Ferris State University | Michigan State University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | $74,122 | Computer Engineering. | $80,133 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | $69,535 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $77,115 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $67,240 | Mechanical Engineering. | $75,936 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | $66,941 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $75,291 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | $65,905 | Chemical Engineering. | $71,351 |