Ferrum College provides meaningful college access for students who prioritize community and personal attention over maximum earnings potential.
The institution serves as an important pathway to higher education for first-generation students and families seeking affordable private college options.
Ferrum College is a small private nonprofit institution in Virginia that serves students seeking an intimate college experience with strong community support. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants and about 39% being first-generation college students, Ferrum provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college.
The college's outcomes reflect its mission as a teaching-focused institution rather than a research university. Graduates earn a median of $44,296 ten years after enrollment, which places Ferrum in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the institution's value lies in its accessibility and personal approach to education, serving students in specialized fields like agricultural education and corrections administration.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Ferrum faces challenges in delivering the highest financial returns, but it continues to serve an important role in providing college access to students from diverse backgrounds. The college's small size allows for individualized attention and mentorship that larger institutions cannot match.
Ferrum College's program portfolio reflects its commitment to serving community needs through specialized career preparation. The college's two standout programs demonstrate this focus clearly. Corrections Administration graduates about 23 students annually who go on to earn around $33,993 in stable public service careers, while Agricultural Teacher Education produces 21 graduates earning approximately $30,771 as they enter education and agricultural extension roles.
These programs represent Ferrum's niche in preparing students for careers that prioritize service over high salaries. Both fields offer job security and meaningful work, though financial returns remain modest compared to business or technology programs at larger universities. The college's small scale allows for hands-on learning and close faculty mentorship that larger institutions cannot provide.
As a focused institution graduating small cohorts in specialized fields, Ferrum creates tight-knit professional networks within specific career areas. This concentrated approach means graduates often find strong connections and support within their chosen fields, even if the overall alumni network is smaller than at comprehensive universities.
Ferrum College graduates see modest long-term earnings outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on service-oriented and specialized career paths. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $44,296, which is below typical outcomes at most four-year institutions. The college's earnings performance places it in the bottom quartile nationally, indicating that students should expect more moderate financial returns compared to larger research universities.
The college's strongest programs center on specialized fields that serve community needs. Corrections Administration, which graduates about 23 students annually, represents the highest aggregate return program with graduates earning around $33,993 ten years out. Agricultural Teacher Education, the largest program with 21 graduates, leads to median earnings of $30,771. These programs reflect Ferrum's commitment to preparing students for careers in public service and education, fields that typically offer stable employment but more modest compensation than business or technology sectors.
Ferrum College offers relatively affordable net prices across income levels, making it accessible to families with varying financial circumstances. Low-income students pay about $18,607 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,145 per year. Even high-income families face net prices of $28,515, which remains reasonable for a private college experience.
The college's affordability extends to manageable debt levels for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $27,000 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns with the institution's focus on accessibility. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,605, reflecting families' willingness to invest in their students' education while keeping debt at sustainable levels. The combination of affordable net prices and reasonable debt loads helps ensure that Ferrum remains within reach for the first-generation and Pell-eligible students it primarily serves.
Ferrum College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
