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.
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![]() Ferris State University |
![]() Northern Michigan University |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 71.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$50
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $24,285 |
In state:
$26,076
Out of state:
$31,572
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Average net price | $13,624 | $17,686 |
Tuition | $12,740 |
In state:
$12,098
Out of state:
$17,594
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,450
Meal plan:
$4,678
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Room/dormitory:
$6,212
Meal plan:
$5,700
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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Very Low
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 19:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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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)
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
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