Northern Michigan University (NMU) vs Ferris State

Northern Michigan University and Ferris State University, both esteemed institutions in Michigan, offer distinct educational experiences. Northern Michigan University, nestled in the picturesque Upper Peninsula, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity. Ferris State University, located in the vibrant city of Big Rapids, offers a more open admissions policy. While Northern Michigan University excels in liberal arts and sciences, Ferris State University shines in career-oriented programs like engineering and health sciences. Northern Michigan University fosters a diverse student body, with a higher percentage of female students, while Ferris State University attracts a more balanced gender ratio. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Ferris State University logo

Ferris State University

Northern Michigan University logo

Northern Michigan University

Overview

Location Big Rapids, Michigan Marquette, Michigan
Campus setting Town: Distant Town: Remote
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 77.0% 72.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 84.8% 71.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $50
SAT range 930 - 1150 N/A
ACT range 19 - 26 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 66.0%
Students submitting ACT score 5.0%
Total number of applicants 10,480 6,553
Total number of admissions given out 8,884 4,670
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,405 1,496
Yield rate 15.8% 32.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $24,285
In state: $26,076

Out of state: $31,572
Average net price $13,624 $17,686
Tuition $12,740
In state: $12,098

Out of state: $17,594
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,450

Meal plan: $4,678
Room/dormitory: $6,212

Meal plan: $5,700
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

90.0%
Average amount $10,575
100.0%
Average amount $8,291
Students receiving federal student loan 54.0%
Average amount $5,319
60.0%
Average amount $4,882
Students taking out private loans 10.0%
Average amount $12,922
13.0%
Average amount $12,023

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 9,248
Men 47.2% Women 52.8%
6,611
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Graduate students 1,113
Men 34.2% Women 65.8%
603
Men 31.8% Women 68.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 6.6% 27.5%
International students 1.4% 1.2%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity 3,312 2,956
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Michigan Illinois Florida Indiana Wisconsin Michigan Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 47.7% 49.4%
Dropout rate 39.2% 48.5%
Transferred out 10.5% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,849
  • Year 2: $123,608
  • Year 3: $124,236
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,610
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $107,632
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,938
  • Year 2: $74,122
  • Year 3: $77,998
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $65,051
  • Year 2: $81,498
  • Year 3: $77,389
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $75,822
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,062
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $75,775
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,334
  • Year 2: $64,837
  • Year 3: $75,354
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,507
  • Year 2: $67,240
  • Year 3: $71,530
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,480
  • Year 2: $69,535
  • Year 3: $70,863
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,397
  • Year 2: $65,905
  • Year 3: $70,419
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,628
  • Year 2: $72,796
  • Year 3: $79,136
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $46,384
  • Year 2: $47,846
  • Year 3: $59,593
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: $58,726
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,371
  • Year 2: $56,776
  • Year 3: $57,709
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,668
  • Year 2: $53,358
  • Year 3: $55,574
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,975
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $51,392
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,045
  • Year 2: $34,793
  • Year 3: $47,951
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,424
  • Year 2: $44,635
  • Year 3: $46,290
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,823
  • Year 2: $38,649
  • Year 3: $45,786
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,293
  • Year 2: $38,529
  • Year 3: $44,324

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