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Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan 49307-2251

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

College townGreek life

Known for business — excellent value

Ferris State University is a public institution in Big Rapids with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1001, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 8.1K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

48% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,735 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,202.

Established
1884
Motto
Ferris Forward
Mascot
Brutus the Bulldog
Type
Public university
Conference
NCAA Division I
Division
Division II

Plan Your Visit

81%Acceptance
1001SAT Avg
8,087Students
15:1Student:Faculty
48%Grad Rate
$54,735Earnings 10yr
$12,202Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate80.6%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1001

Reading & WritingMid: 525
450570
MathMid: 515
440550

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 23
1826

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$13,630
Tuition (out-of-state)$13,630
Room & Board$10,660
Books & Supplies$862
Total Cost of Attendance$26,066
Average Net Price$12,202
Median Debt at Graduation$21,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$223

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$5,957
$30–48K$7,962
$48–75K$12,303
$75–110K$17,193
$110K+$19,308

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

53.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

-2.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

52

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

11

Burglary

2

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

4

Motor Vehicle Theft

6

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

16

Drug Arrests

12

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (182)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

73%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
8,087
Gender Split
53% / 47%
Women / Men
First Generation
35%
Pell Grant Recipients
34%

Race & Ethnicity

White 74%
Black 9%
Hispanic 7%
Asian 2%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate47.9%
Freshman Retention72.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$47,339
10 Years$54,735

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#304
vs 2024
Forbes
#328
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#174
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Ice hockeyClub iceBasketball

History & Fun Facts

  • By the beginning of the next semester in January 1885, the school changed its name to Ferris Industrial School.
  • In January 1894, the school moved into and dedicated its new building, Old Main, on the corner of Oak and Ives Streets.
  • In 1898, the institution was again renamed to Ferris Institute.
  • In February 1943, alumnus Colin Smith introduced a bill in the legislature for the state to purchase Ferris Institute.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

90Average

Estimated from MI state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Milwaukeepop. 570K
130 mi(225 min)
Detroitpop. 640K
155 mi(269 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
166 mi(288 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MKE Milwaukee132 mi
DTW Detroit148 mi
ORD Chicago O'Hare171 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA733 mi · ~21h 11m drive
New York, NY622 mi · ~17h 58m drive
Hartford, CT663 mi · ~19h 9m drive
Providence, RI724 mi · ~20h 55m drive
Albany, NY595 mi · ~17h 11m drive
Syracuse, NY471 mi · ~13h 36m drive
Rochester, NY397 mi · ~11h 28m drive
Buffalo, NY337 mi · ~9h 44m drive
Philadelphia, PA590 mi · ~17h 3m drive
Pittsburgh, PA360 mi · ~10h 24m drive
Harrisburg, PA500 mi · ~14h 27m drive
Newark, NJ613 mi · ~17h 43m drive
Washington, DC548 mi · ~15h 50m drive
Baltimore, MD550 mi · ~15h 53m drive
Atlanta, GA689 mi · ~19h 54m drive
Charlotte, NC635 mi · ~18h 21m drive
Raleigh, NC656 mi · ~18h 57m drive
Miami, FL1274 mi · ~36h 48m drive
Orlando, FL1071 mi · ~30h 56m drive
Tampa, FL1100 mi · ~31h 47m drive
Nashville, TN524 mi · ~15h 8m drive
New Orleans, LA982 mi · ~28h 22m drive
Richmond, VA598 mi · ~17h 17m drive
Chicago, IL166 mi · ~4h 48m drive
Detroit, MI155 mi · ~4h 29m drive
Minneapolis, MN395 mi · ~11h 25m drive
St. Louis, MO427 mi · ~12h 20m drive
Kansas City, MO568 mi · ~16h 25m drive
Indianapolis, IN273 mi · ~7h 53m drive
Columbus, OH287 mi · ~8h 17m drive
Cleveland, OH245 mi · ~7h 5m drive
Milwaukee, WI130 mi · ~3h 45m drive
Dallas, TX970 mi · ~28h 1m drive
Houston, TX1105 mi · ~31h 55m drive
Austin, TX1145 mi · ~33h 5m drive
San Antonio, TX1219 mi · ~35h 13m drive
Los Angeles, CA1869 mi · ~54h drive
San Francisco, CA1960 mi · ~56h 37m drive
San Diego, CA1865 mi · ~53h 53m drive
Seattle, WA1783 mi · ~51h 31m drive
Portland, OR1818 mi · ~52h 31m drive
Denver, CO1040 mi · ~30h 3m drive
Phoenix, AZ1592 mi · ~45h 59m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1360 mi · ~39h 17m drive
Honolulu, HI4349 mi · ~125h 38m drive
Upper Midwest / Northeast (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Ferris State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications