Overview

Ferris State University has a well-deserved reputation for providing a career-focused education at competitive rates. Since 1884, Ferris has met the workforce needs of business, industry, health care, and education with career-focused majors. A vibrant minority student population enriches the campus community of more than 13,000 students with a variety of perspectives and cultures, including those of international students. Ferris is Michigan's fastest-growing university.

Academics

• Ferris offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate majors. Offerings include short-term certificates and two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor's degrees, six master's degrees, and doctoral programs in optometry and pharmacy.
• Students can choose from six career pathways: arts and communications; business management, marketing, and technology; engineering/manufacturing and industrial technology; health sciences; human services; and natural resources and agriscience.
• The placement rate of Ferris graduates who are employed or continuing their education is 97 percent.
• At Ferris, students find leadership opportunities and the personal attention they need to achieve success. Professors, not graduate assistants, teach Ferris’ small classes, 80 percent of which have fewer than 25 students.

Setting

• Ferris’ 880-acre campus is located in the mid-Michigan city of Big Rapids, just a few hours away from Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan. Lake Michigan beaches, downhill ski resorts, and the city-life attractions of Grand Rapids—Michigan’s second-largest city—are only an hour’s drive away.
• Comfortable residence halls with double or private rooms and on-campus apartments for single and married students provide numerous living arrangements. A high-speed, wide-area network provides broad campus access to academic resources, the Internet, and other computer resources such as the FLITE library.
  

Why did you choose Ferris?

Ferris offers a wide range of activities and programs that gave me the opportunity to personalize my college experience. My freshman year I joined the lacrosse team and became a member of the AIGA professional association for design. I wanted personal attention in my classes and with only 15-20 students per class I was able to get it.

How would you describe Ferris?

Ferris is a community within itself. It’s easy to get to know students from all across campus in many different programs. You get to know your professors very well and they help guide you and bring out the best in you so that you are well prepared for the job market.

What do you appreciate most about the education you are receiving?

Starting with major-oriented classes my freshman year I have never been bored with Ferris. The classes I take are career oriented and I start my first internship in the fall.

What should other students know about Ferris?

Ferris is all about having fun and taking pride in your work and your school. Whether it’s going to a football game or hanging out in the library there’s always something to do and a place to go. Living in the resident halls provides even more opportunities to go to events and try new things.

What are you plans after graduation?

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