Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Ferrum, Virginia
100% Acceptance Rate
Ferrum College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
100%Acceptance Rate
3.14Avg GPA
990Avg SAT
$54,506Annual Cost
$44,296Grad Salary
46.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
100%
Avg GPA
3.14
Avg SAT
990
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
880–1100
Need-Based Aid
46.5% receive Pell
Ferrum College is a private, liberal arts institution in Virginia known for its focus on experiential learning and community service. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their potential to contribute to the college's mission. The college seeks students who are ready to engage in hands-on projects and community-focused learning. Applicants should highlight their history of service and their desire for a personalized, mentorship-based education.
Ferrum College Acceptance Rate
Ferrum College maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 100% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.14 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.94 – 3.13
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.69
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Ferrum College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Ferrum College is 3.14. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.34-3.54 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.84 and 3.14, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Ferrum College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Ferrum College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.14, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.14 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.94 – 3.13
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.74 – 2.93
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.73
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Application fee is $25, waived for students who visit campus (Open House or private tour)
- United Methodist Church affiliation; over 90% of students live on campus and more than half the student body competes in NCAA Division III athletics
- No ROTC program on campus, though Ferrum supports military/veteran students with VA-approved GI Bill benefits and nearby ROTC access through partner institutions like Virginia Tech and Radford
- At least 32 of the last 64 credit hours, and 50% of major/minor requirement hours, must be completed at Ferrum regardless of transfer credit volume
- The Rigor Metric: At Ferrum College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Ferrum College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Ferrum College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Ferrum College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Ferrum College Without SAT or ACT?
Ferrum College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Ferrum College Average SAT Score: 990
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Ferrum College is 990 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 990 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 990 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1100 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Ferrum College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 880, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Ferrum College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 473 | 425 | 520 |
| SAT Reading | 518 | 455 | 580 |
| SAT Composite | 990 | 880 | 1100 |
It means that if you have scored less than 880 then you are below most of the admitted students at Ferrum College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1100 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Ferrum College with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Ferrum College are good but the admission staff at Ferrum College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Ferrum College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Ferrum College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
For VCCS transfer students, use the Ferrum Promise and Guaranteed Admission Agreement as the central admissions strategy, not a side benefit
Any student completing a Virginia Community College System transfer-oriented associate degree (AA, AS, or approved AAS/General Studies) with a 2.0+ GPA qualifies for Ferrum's Guaranteed Admission Agreement, which guarantees acceptance of all transferable credits and completion of Ferrum's general education core - and, under the Ferrum Promise, a completed approved learning contract can lead to a bachelor's degree within four semesters of admission. Counsel current or prospective VCCS students to contact Ferrum admissions before finishing their associate degree (not after) so a formal learning contract and degree plan can be built collaboratively with an academic advisor from the very first Ferrum semester, since the four-semester promise depends on following that specific plan.
Know the specific Bible-based course requirement that VCCS credits may not automatically satisfy
Ferrum's United Methodist affiliation requires a 3-credit Bible-based or philosophy course (REL 111/112/113 or PHI 131) unless the incoming VCCS transcript already includes an accepted equivalent (REL200, REL210, PHI100, PHI101, or PHI102). Counsel VCCS transfer applicants to check their community college course history against this specific list before assuming a general humanities elective satisfies the requirement, since an unexpected extra course can affect the "four semesters to bachelor's" timeline promised under the Ferrum Promise.
For agriculture or environmental science-focused students, lead with Ferrum's unique statewide positioning as the only private Virginia college with an agricultural science program
Ferrum holds a genuinely rare position: it's the only private college in Virginia offering an academic program in agricultural science, alongside one of the oldest environmental science programs in the country with internship/research opportunities built into every major. Counsel students targeting agriculture, environmental science, or related fields to explicitly cite this statewide uniqueness in outreach to potential internship sponsors or scholarship committees, since it differentiates Ferrum from other small private Virginia liberal arts colleges that don't offer this credential at all.
Recognize that essays, interviews, and recommendations are optional for general admission but become mandatory for "special programs or scholarships" - check with the assigned counselor by name
Ferrum's baseline freshman application requires no essay and treats letters of recommendation and interviews as optional - but these same components become required specifically for certain scholarships and special programs, and the college directs applicants to "consult with your Admissions Counselor" rather than publishing a single universal list. Counsel students pursuing any scholarship beyond the automatic Ferrum Merit Grant (2.0+ transfer GPA) to ask their named admissions counselor directly and early which specific scholarships require an essay/interview, since this information isn't standardized across the general application.
Expert Insight:
The most common mistake among VCCS transfer applicants is assuming "guaranteed admission" and "guaranteed bachelor's in four semesters" are the same promise - the four-semester Ferrum Promise depends on following an individually approved learning contract and degree plan established with an advisor, and deviating from that plan (or discovering a missing Bible-based course requirement late) can extend the timeline even though admission itself remains guaranteed.
Ferrum College Profile
Full Name
Ferrum College
City
Ferrum
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
24088-9000
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Ferrum College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Ferrum College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Ferrum College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Ferrum College is $59,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.76%.
How much does a degree from Ferrum College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Ferrum College is $54,506. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Ferrum College is much less than this.
46.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 74.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Ferrum College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Ferrum College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Ferrum College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Ferrum College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,296. An average Ferrum College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Ferrum College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
| St Luke's College | Sioux City, IA | 980 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Ferrum College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Ferrum College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
Degree Programs at Ferrum College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Ferrum College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferrum College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,296 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $54,506 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
46.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Ferrum College is 100% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.14. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.84, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.84, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.74 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.14, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Ferrum College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 990 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 880–1100.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.