Ferris State University Overview

Ferris State University is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Big Rapids, MI. It has an enrollment of 8,810 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 84.77%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,010. Tuition is $12,740.00 without financial aid.

Ferris State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Ferris State University, 76.94% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Ferris State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

Ferris State University Website

Ferris State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 84.77%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1047.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 23.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Ferris State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,010. The in-state tuition is $12,740.00. Out-of-state tuition is $12,740.00

The average tuition is:

• $7,551, when family income is less than $30,000

• $10,177, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $13,542, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $17,386, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $19,959, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 50.04% of students received a federal student loan and 34.78% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $12,740.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Ferris State University Net Price Calculator

Ferris State University Majors/Salaries

Ferris State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Ferris State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,401
• Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Graphic Communications. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,823
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,607
• Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,799
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Manufacturing Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,941
• Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,240
• Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. (Associate’s Degree) – $47,260
• Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,122
• Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $74,576
• Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,535
• Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,111
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,495
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,823
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,064
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $17,508
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Biological and Physical Sciences. (Associate’s Degree) – $11,234
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,094
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Master’s Degree) – $46,087
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,747
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $43,240
• Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. (Associate’s Degree) – $49,937
• Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,905
• Precision Metal Working. (Associate’s Degree) – $42,424
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,187
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,984
• Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $43,798
• Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,693
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Associate’s Degree) – $32,711
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,147
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $45,956
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,877
• Optometry. (First Professional Degree) – $97,071
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (First Professional Degree) – $123,608
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,176
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,673
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,924
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $81,498
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,830
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,041
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,426
• Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Construction Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,837

Ferris State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Ferris State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.52%
• Asian: 1.49%
• Black: 8.60%
• Hispanic: 6.57%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.05%
• Non-resident alien: 1.20%
• Two or more races: 3.95%
• Unknown: 1.35%
• White: 76.27%

At Ferris State University, 17.91% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Ferris State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Ferris State University?

Ferris State University has a great culture of school spirit! Students, faculty, staff, and alumni all take great pride in being Bulldogs. The university has a strong athletic program, with over 14 varsity sports teams, and students love to cheer on their fellow Bulldogs in games and competitions. There are also a variety of student organizations and clubs that promote school spirit and offer opportunities for students to get involved with campus life. Overall, Ferris State University has a vibrant community with lots of enthusiasm for their school.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Ferris State University?

Ferris State University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. Some of the popular extracurricular activities at Ferris State University include: 1. Athletics: Ferris State University has a strong athletics program which offers a range of sports for students to participate in. 2. Student Government: The Student Government Association (SGA) is an elected student-run organization that represents the student body at Ferris State University. 3. Volunteer and Community Service: Ferris State University has a dedicated center for volunteerism and community service called the Volunteer Center, which offers various opportunities for students to get involved in service activities. 4. Clubs and Organizations: Ferris State University has more than 200 student-run clubs and organizations ranging from academic groups to social organizations. 5. Music and Theatre Production: Ferris State University has several music and theater organizations on campus, including the Ferris State Choir, the University Symphony Band, and the Ferris State University Theatre. 6. Student Media: Ferris State University has its own student-run media organizations, including the Torch, which is the student newspaper, and Bulldog Radio, which is the campus radio station. Overall, there are many ways for students to get involved in extracurricular activities at Ferris State University, and these activities can be a great way to make new friends, develop new skills, and have fun outside of the classroom.

How are the food choices at Ferris State University?

Ferris State University offers a variety of food options to its students. There are multiple dining halls and food courts on campus, which offer diverse menus catering to different dietary needs. The university also has a food delivery service and several vending machines. Additionally, there are several franchises on campus, such as Starbucks, Subway, and Einstein Bros. Bagels, providing a variety of options for students to choose from.

Is there Greek life at Ferris State University?

Yes, Ferris State University has a Greek life community. There are 13 recognized social Greek organizations on campus, including six fraternities and seven sororities. Additionally, there are academic, cultural, and service-oriented organizations that use Greek letters but are not officially part of the Greek community.

What is Ferris State University known for?

Ferris State University is a public university located in Michigan. It is known for its strong programs in areas such as engineering, technology, health professions, business, and education. In particular, Ferris State University is recognized for its programs in HVAC engineering technology, optometry, pharmacy, and nursing. Additionally, Ferris State University is known for its hands-on learning opportunities that provide students with practical experience in their field.

What are the most popular school clubs at Ferris State University?

Ferris State University has a wide variety of student organizations and clubs to cater to diverse interests and backgrounds. However, some of the most popular ones are: 1) Registered Student Organizations (RSOs): RSOs are open to all students at Ferris State, and they cover a range of interests and activities, including academic, cultural, community service, and recreational groups. 2) Greek Life: Ferris State University has a range of sororities and fraternities you can choose from, which offer great opportunities for community service, leadership, and social events. 3) Club Sports: Ferris State has over 25 club sports, ranging from ice hockey and soccer to fencing and archery. 4) Volunteer Center: Students can get involved in community service projects through the Volunteer Center. They can work with organizations like the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club of America. 5) Student Government Association: The Ferris State SGA is responsible for representing the student body and advocating for their needs with school administrators. Membership in the organization can help students develop leadership skills and network with peers and professionals.

Is the campus at Ferris State University safe?

Ferris State University has a reputation for being a safe campus. The university provides a number of resources to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff. These resources include on-campus security and police services, an emergency alert system, emergency telephones and CCTV cameras throughout the campus. Additionally, the university offers various safety training programs and operates a Safe Ride program to transport students safely around the campus. However, like any campus, it’s always important for students to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure their safety.