Ferris State University
About Ferris State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Ferris State University is a public university in Big Rapids, Michigan. It is known for its pharmacy, optometry, and criminal justice programs, and has a practical, career-focused approach to education.
Founded
1884
Location
Big Rapids, Michigan
Students
9,074
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
91.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
46.9%
Below national average
Tuition
$14,778
Per year
Avg Net Price
$8,624
After financial aid
SAT Average
1012
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,735
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Ferris State University accepts the majority of applicants at 91.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1012/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
46.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.6%
4-Year Grad
36%
6-Year Grad
55%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
71%
$/Student
$9.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 77.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,778
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,462
Books & Supplies
$890
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,048
After Financial Aid
$8,624
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$2,556
Receive Grants
34.2%
Take Loans
43.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $27,048/yr, including $11,462 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $8,624.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Ferris State University fund their education.
While in School
34.2%
Get Grants
Free money
43.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$41,668
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$223/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Ferris State University.
Gender
54.2%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,106
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
968
Graduates
35.3%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
14.9%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 35.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
8,106
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Ferris State University fields 9 varsity teams with 547 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
Other
Association not listed by the survey
Conference
Great Lakes
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
547
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
336
Men
211
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Ferris State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,735
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
171 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$45K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$75K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
$79K
86 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
$67K
84 grads
1yr Earnings
Design and Applied Arts
$34K
83 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ferris State University
What is the acceptance rate at Ferris State University?▾
How much does Ferris State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Ferris State University?▾
How much do Ferris State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.