Ferrum College
Ferrum College is a private nonprofit university in Ferrum, VA ranked #1643 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 745 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 100.0%. Students most often pursue Criminal Justice and Corrections and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 58.6% first-year retention, and 28.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $22,085, about $5,087 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.8%, roughly 144.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $36,418. That's about $7,270 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Ferrum College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Ferrum College graduates 28.9% of students within six years and keeps 58.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Ferrum College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $38,320 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,230 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,550 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $54,506 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.5% of Ferrum College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,607 to $28,515 depending on family income. Use Ferrum College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,397/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,515/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $36,418
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,418
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.1%
- Employment Rate 90.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Ferrum College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Ferrum College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ferrum College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ferrum College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Ferrum College graduates earn $36,418 median, the -58.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 455-580
- SAT Math 425-520
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 745
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 58.6%
- Graduation Rate 28.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Ferrum College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ferrum College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 100.0%, Ferrum College is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 100.0% acceptance rate, Ferrum College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 880 and 1100 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ferrum College undergraduates. Criminal Justice and Corrections, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Agriculture, General draw the most students.
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 12.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 11.5%
- Agriculture, General 7.1%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 6.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.6%
- Social Work 5.5%
See more majors
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 5.5%
- Psychology, General 4.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Criminal Justice and Corrections $50,305
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $48,774
- 3. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $43,603
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Social Work $39,139
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $33,795
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Criminal Justice and Corrections grads earn $50,305—49% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($33,795). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Ferrum College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Agriculture, General (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (32 programs)▼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Agriculture, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Psychology, General
- Security Science and Technology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Marketing
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 745
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 62.0%
- Female Students 38.0%
- Caucasian 47.9%
- Asian 0.5%
- Hispanic 7.0%
- Black 21.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ferrum College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Ferrum College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ferrum College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ferrum College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Ferrum College has a diverse student body, with 47.9% identifying as White. Men make up 62.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ferrum College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ferrum College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ferrum College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.8% ROI. Ranked #1643 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,085 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $36,418 median earnings. With 28.9% graduating within six years and 58.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Ferrum College's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1643 ranking, Ferrum College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,085 annually, Ferrum College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 58.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,459 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.8% ROI and $36,418 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,085+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Ferrum College ranks #1643 of 6272 institutions, with 1387 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 28.9% six-year graduation rate sits 33.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 58.6% first-year retention is 18.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.8% return on investment is 144.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $36,418 run about 17% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,085 is roughly $4,967 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 58.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.6% employment rate within three years sits 22.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,085 is about $4,967 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Ferrum, VA, Ferrum College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1643 nationally Completion earns C, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 58.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 28.9% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -58.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,085 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $54,506.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $32,421 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $36,418 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 17% lower.
Roughly 90.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -58.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
100.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Ferrum College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Virginia campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Ferrum, VA 24088-9000
- Website www.ferrum.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$58.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.0%