Academic Comparison between Ferris State and Calvin

Ferris State University and Calvin University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Ferris State is a four-year, public school located in Big Rapids, MI and Calvin is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Ferris State is a public and Calvin is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Calvin has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,350) than Ferris State ($14,778).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin than Ferris State.
  • Calvin has a higher submitted SAT score (1,010) than Ferris State (1,010).
  • Calvin has higher submitted ACT score (21) than Ferris State (21).
  • Ferris State has more students with 9,959 students while Calvin has 3,681 students.
  • Calvin has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Ferris State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Ferris State has more full-time faculties with 474 faculties while Calvin has 194 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ferris State Universityvs.Calvin University
Big Rapids, MichiganLocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$14,778
Out-Of-State$14,778
2025 Tuition & Fees$39,350
74%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$12,005Average Amount of Financial Aid$26,719
91.39 %Acceptance Rates70.91 %
14.73 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
1,010SAT Score1,220
21ACT Score27
47 %Graduation Rate74 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
78 %Retention Rate87 %
9,959Student Population3,681
474Number of Faculties194
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services