Ferrum College vs Liberty University: A Data-Driven Comparison
These Virginia institutions offer contrasting educational experiences. Liberty University accepts nearly all applicants (99.3% acceptance rate) compared to Ferrum's more selective 84.3%, though both remain accessible options.
Cost and Value
Liberty provides better upfront affordability with tuition at $21,222 versus Ferrum's $38,320. However, Ferrum's average net price of $22,085 narrows this gap significantly through financial aid. Liberty graduates carry slightly less debt ($24,500 vs $27,000) and earn marginally more ten years post-graduation ($44,813 vs $44,296).
Academic Environment
Ferrum offers more personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Liberty's 18:1. This smaller scale extends throughout the campus, with Ferrum enrolling 745 students versus Liberty's massive 50,059. However, Liberty demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 63.5% six-year graduation rate and 78.8% retention rate, significantly outperforming Ferrum's 28.9% graduation rate and 58.6% retention.
Campus Experience
Liberty competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering major college sports experiences. Ferrum participates in Division III, emphasizing student-athlete balance without athletic scholarships.
Student Fit
Ferrum suits students seeking intimate classroom settings, close faculty relationships, and a tight-knit community willing to trade some support services for personalized attention. Liberty better serves students wanting diverse program options, major college athletics, lower costs, and structured support systems that help ensure degree completion.
These Virginia institutions offer contrasting educational experiences. Liberty University accepts nearly all applicants (99.3% acceptance rate) compared to Ferrum's more selective 84.3%, though both remain accessible options.
Cost and Value
Liberty provides better upfront affordability with tuition at $21,222 versus Ferrum's $38,320. However, Ferrum's average net price of $22,085 narrows this gap significantly through financial aid. Liberty graduates carry slightly less debt ($24,500 vs $27,000) and earn marginally more ten years post-graduation ($44,813 vs $44,296).
Academic Environment
Ferrum offers more personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Liberty's 18:1. This smaller scale extends throughout the campus, with Ferrum enrolling 745 students versus Liberty's massive 50,059. However, Liberty demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 63.5% six-year graduation rate and 78.8% retention rate, significantly outperforming Ferrum's 28.9% graduation rate and 58.6% retention.
Campus Experience
Liberty competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering major college sports experiences. Ferrum participates in Division III, emphasizing student-athlete balance without athletic scholarships.
Student Fit
Ferrum suits students seeking intimate classroom settings, close faculty relationships, and a tight-knit community willing to trade some support services for personalized attention. Liberty better serves students wanting diverse program options, major college athletics, lower costs, and structured support systems that help ensure degree completion.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Ferrum College | Liberty University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 84.3% | 99.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,005 | |
| Enrollment | 745 | 50,059 |
| In-State Tuition | $38,320 | $21,222 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,320 | $21,222 |
| Net Price | $22,085 | $29,552 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.9% | 63.5% |
| Retention Rate | 58.6% | 78.8% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,296 | $44,813 |
| Median Debt | $27,000 | $24,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Ferrum College | Liberty University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $33,993 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $30,771 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $29,322 | Computer Engineering. | $63,600 |
| Psychology, General. | $25,194 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 |
| Social Work. | $24,035 | Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 |