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Ferris State University vs Lawrence Technological University: which has better ROI?

Public, Big Rapids MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Southfield MI

The verdict

Ferris State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $34,496 in 5.4 years versus 6.3 years at Lawrence Technological University, on median earnings of $54,735 vs $69,151 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFerris State UniversityLawrence Technological University
Net price / yr$8,624$32,918
Total net cost$34,496$131,672
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,735$69,151
Median debt$21,000$27,000
Payback5.4 yrs6.3 yrs
20-year net return$93,004$284,148

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Ferris State University or Lawrence Technological University?

Ferris State University, at $8,624 a year after aid versus $32,918 — a gap of $24,294 a year, or $97,176 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Ferris State University or Lawrence Technological University graduates earn more?

Lawrence Technological University graduates report a median $69,151 ten years after entry, $14,416 more than the $54,735 at Ferris State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Ferris State University or Lawrence Technological University?

Ferris State University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Lawrence Technological University, a difference of $6,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at Lawrence Technological University, against 47% at Ferris State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Ferris State University vs Lawrence Technological University: frequently asked questions

Is Ferris State University or Lawrence Technological University a better value?
Ferris State University. It clears its $34,496 net cost in about 5.4 years versus 6.3 years at Lawrence Technological University, on median earnings of $54,735 vs $69,151 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ferris State University or Lawrence Technological University?
Ferris State University: $8,624/yr net price after aid versus $32,918/yr at Lawrence Technological University — a difference of $24,294 a year, or about $97,176 over four years.
Do Ferris State University or Lawrence Technological University graduates earn more?
Lawrence Technological University graduates earn a median $69,151 ten years after entry, versus $54,735 at Ferris State University — a $14,416 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.