Ferris State University (FSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Ferris State University
Tucked into Michigan river country, this public university is known for applied, career minded academics that blend labs with real projects. Students move between studios, clinics, and tech spaces, with tutoring, advising, and a resourceful library close at hand. The campus rec center and on campus ice arena keep things lively when classes let out.
Student life leans friendly and practical. Clubs, volunteer crews, and outdoor trips fill weekends, and hockey nights feel like a ritual. The culture has a Midwest, roll up your sleeves energy that values effort over flash. Career prep shows up early through advising, networking events, and internships that connect with regional employers. Big Rapids offers a walkable downtown, riverside trails, and chances to work with local businesses and community groups. Distinctive traditions around Bulldog spirit run deep, and alumni include NHL forward Chris Kunitz.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Ferris State University (FSU) offers 125 degree programs across 27 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,978 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (18 programs, 596 graduates), Business (16 programs, 485 graduates), Eng. Technologies (14 programs, 467 graduates), Security & Safety (3 programs, 246 graduates) and Arts (15 programs, 128 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (18 programs, 596 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 93 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Pharmacy | 88 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.2001 |
| Health Professions and Related Sciences | 77 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.9999 |
| Dental Hygiene | 56 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.0602 |
| Pre-Pharmacy Studies | 50 |
|
Associate's
|
51.1103 |
| Health Administration and Management | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Optometry | 31 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.1701 |
| Medical Radiologic Technology | 25 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0907 |
| Nursing Administration | 25 |
|
Master's
|
51.3802 |
| Long Term Care Administration | 23 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0718 |
| Nuclear Medical Technology | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0905 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0910 |
| Health Information Administration | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0706 |
| Health Information Technology | 16 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0707 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1005 |
| Public Health | 7 |
|
Master's
|
51.2201 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0908 |
| Nursing Education | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.3203 |
Business (16 programs, 485 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 206 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Marketing Management | 52 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.1401 |
| Construction Management | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.2001 |
| Operations Management and Supervision | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.0205 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 40 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0302 |
| Hospitality and Recreation Marketing | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.1910 |
| Finance, General | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Organizational Leadership | 13 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0213 |
| Hospitality Management | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0901 |
| Human Resources Management | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.1001 |
| Insurance Studies | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.1701 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 7 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
| Accounting and Finance | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0304 |
| Actuarial Science | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1304 |
| E-Commerce | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0208 |
| Sales Skills and Operations | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1804 |
Eng. Technologies (14 programs, 467 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | 85 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Residency
|
15.0805 |
| Architectural Engineering Technology | 61 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
15.0101 |
| Industrial Production Technologies | 59 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0699 |
| Construction Engineering Technology | 48 |
|
Associate's
|
15.1001 |
| Quality Control Technology | 42 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0702 |
| Energy Systems Technology | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.1701 |
| Industrial Technology | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
15.0612 |
| Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology | 30 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
15.0607 |
| Automotive Engineering Technology | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
15.0803 |
| HVAC Engineering Technology | 23 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0501 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0303 |
| Telecommunications Technology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0305 |
| Surveying Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
15.1102 |
| Civil Engineering Technology | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0201 |
Security & Safety (3 programs, 246 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 207 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
43.0107 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 34 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0103 |
| Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0405 |
Arts (15 programs, 128 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
| Illustration | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
50.0410 |
| Music Management | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.1003 |
| Studio Arts, General | 12 |
|
Associate's
Master's
|
50.0702 |
| Industrial and Product Design | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0404 |
| Fashion and Apparel Design | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0407 |
| Interior Design | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0408 |
| Design and Visual Communications | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0401 |
| Applied Arts and Design | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0499 |
| Painting | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0708 |
| Sculpture | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0709 |
| Photography | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0605 |
| Drawing | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0705 |
| Art History and Conservation | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Jewelry Arts | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0713 |
Education (11 programs, 126 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 43 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Community College Administration | 19 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0407 |
| Social Studies Teacher Education | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1318 |
| Technical Teacher Education | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1319 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1205 |
| Biology Teacher Education | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1322 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 5 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Mathematics Teacher Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1311 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
| Business and Innovation Entrepreneurship Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1303 |
Computer & IT (5 programs, 113 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 69 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
11.1003 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 23 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
11.0901 |
| Information Technology | 16 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
11.0103 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.9999 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0101 |
Public Services (1 programs, 107 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 107 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
Media Tech (4 programs, 106 graduates)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation and Interactive Technology | 70 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
10.0304 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
10.0202 |
| Printing Management | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
10.0302 |
| Graphic Communications | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
10.0301 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 97 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 90 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0199 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Ferris State University (FSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ferris State University (FSU)
How much does it cost to attend Ferris State University (FSU)?
The annual tuition at Ferris State University (FSU) is $14,246 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $28,332 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,660 (on) / $8,700 (off) and books and supplies $862.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Ferris State University offer?
Ferris State University (FSU) offers 125 academic programs across 27 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (18 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (16 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (14 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (3 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (15 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Ferris State University?
Ferris State University (FSU) has an 80.6% acceptance rate and a 20.7% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 9,548
- Students admitted: 7,694
- Students enrolled: 1,595
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Ferris State University?
Ferris State University (FSU) provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $12,823 and average loans of $7,284.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,566
- State/Local grants: $11,762
- Institutional grants: $6,970
- Federal loans: $5,222
The university supports 1,652 students with grants and 978 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Ferris State University graduates?
Ferris State University (FSU) graduates earn a median salary of $47,339 after 6 years and $54,735 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $34,587 (25th percentile) to $80,060 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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