Ferrum College
Ferrum, Virginia
Ferrum College is best known for its personalized education, commitment to community, and strong academic programs that blend liberal arts education with professional development. Its small class sizes and faculty engagement ensure that each student receives individual attention and mentorship. This thriving campus environment has a strong sense of community and student-centered atmosphere, where faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success.
Ferrum College, established in 1913 as Ferrum Training School by the United Methodist Church, has a rich history grounded in faith and a commitment to academic excellence. What began as a small institution focused on training young men and women has evolved into a respected liberal arts college with a focus on preparing students for both professional success and lives of service. The College has consistently provided a high-quality education while staying true to its mission of holistic development—nurturing both the intellect and the spirit.
Today, Ferrum College stands as a testament to this legacy, offering over 80 undergraduate programs and a growing commitment to graduate education. Our campus, situated in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, is home to a tight-knit community of scholars and learners. The College’s rich history is celebrated in its seven buildings listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places, further emphasizing our commitment to preserving the past while fostering an innovative future.
Get to know Ferrum College
College Highlights
PROFESSIONAL LIBERAL ARTS
Ferrum College is classified as a Professional Liberal Arts College because nearly every program includes an experiential learning component. Whether through internships, community service, hands-on research, or industry partnerships, students are prepared not only with theoretical knowledge but with real-world experience. This focus on practical, hands-on learning ensures that graduates are well equipped to succeed in their chosen fields, making them competitive in the global job market.
Ferrum College offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in liberal arts and sciences, as well as select advanced degrees and certifications in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Guided by its motto of “Not Self, But Others,” Ferrum College provides accessible and transformative educational opportunities to students who “enter with promise and leave with purpose.”
Such a well-rounded liberal arts education combines academic rigor with practical application, enhancing students’ ability to adapt to rapidly changing industries.
STUDY ABROAD
Ferrum College students have the opportunity to learn about cultures around the world, gain valuable educational and career experiences, create lasting memories while advancing their education, and potentially satisfy internship requirements and earn college credit. In addition to partnerships with organizations like Atlantis, USA Study Abroad, and the Fulbright Program, Ferrum College offers multiple ways to travel and learn:
- Summer Term – travel as part of a summer-term course with Ferrum College faculty to destinations such as Ireland, England, Costa Rica, or Italy.
- Exchange Programs – study abroad for a semester in a country and university of your choice such as Sejong University in South Korea or Duoc UC in Chile.
- ACA Study Away Network – take a course with a study abroad component at locations such as Ecuador/Galapagos Islands through Milligan University; Tokyo, Japan, through Lee University; or Togo (Africa) through Tennessee Wesleyan University.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 1%
Hispanic/Latine: 7%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 22%
White, non-Hispanic: 48%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 17%
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
No matter their major, every student has the chance to conduct meaningful, engaging research. Students may pursue their own research under faculty mentorship or contribute to ongoing scholarly work. Many students have the opportunity to present at regional and national conferences, and institutional support is available to assist with travel and presentation expenses.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Residence Life at Ferrum College is not just about housing—it’s about building community. As a residential college, Ferrum ensures students feel at home through intentional programming, leadership opportunities, and support services that promote personal growth, academic success, and engagement. Whether students are in their first year or final semester, Residence Life plays an important role in shaping the holistic student experience.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
At Ferrum College, student life is vibrant and varied, offering students countless opportunities to engage, lead, and express themselves. With over 30 student organizations, students can explore everything from governance to creative arts, service, and recreation.
Ferrum’s award-winning student newspaper, The Iron Blade, is published both in print and digitally, giving students real-world experience in journalism. The literary magazine, Chrysalis, published twice a year, also highlights student voices through poetry, prose, and art. What’s more, the campus radio station gives students hands-on media experience.
Ferrum College is also home to the only Bluegrass Brass Band in the United States, reflecting its commitment to both tradition and innovation. What’s more, the College’s Theater and Music Department is growing, offering opportunities in musical theater, drama, jazz band, pep band, choral ensembles, and more.
ATHLETICS
Ferrum competes in NCAA Division II as a member of Conference Carolinas with 21 intercollegiate sports, including Virginia’s only collegiate Women’s Flag Football team. More than half of Ferrum students are student-athletes!
Outside of varsity sports, Greek life, club sports, and a full-service fitness center round out the health and recreational opportunities at Ferrum.
CAREER SERVICES
Your faculty, Student Success Coaches, and academic department are all invested in your future, weaving career development into all four years of the Ferrum College experience.
It all begins during new and transfer-student orientation and continues with opportunities to grow across all fields of study.
The Career Services Office is deeply involved through:
- Planned career milestones embedded in each year of study, from self-discovery to job readiness.
- One-on-one support for résumé building, cover letter writing, interview preparation, networking, and self-assessments.
- Classroom partnerships to bring career content directly into academic settings.
- A fully accessible 24/7 career platform offering mock interview practices.
- Regular events and workshops for students to connect with alumni, employers, and mentors.
- Alumni connections and an emerging mentorship network to support professional growth.
Importantly, every Ferrum College student graduates with a polished résumé, a professional LinkedIn profile, and a tailored letter of interest template—ensuring they are career-ready, confident, and competitive in the job market.
By embedding these tools and experiences early and often, Ferrum College students don’t just earn degrees, but build futures.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $27,400
Fees: $1,095
Room & Board: $13,230
FERRUM PANTHER PROMISE
The Ferrum Panther Promise provides Virginia residents from households earning less than $65K with free tuition to attend Ferrum College, making higher education more accessible for hardworking students.
Contact Ferrum College
Contact Admissions
ferrum.edu/admissions-aid
(800) 868-9797
admissions@ferrum.edu
Campus Location
215 Ferrum Mountain Road
Ferrum, VA 24088
(540) 365-2121