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Colleges / MI / Big Rapids
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Ferris State University

Public Big Rapids, MI · Town · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
47%
Graduation Rate
$54,735
Earnings (10yr)
$8,624
Net Price
91%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Ferris State University is a solid choice for students looking for a welcoming environment where they can explore diverse fields of study, including Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Criminal Justice. With an acceptance rate of 91%, it's particularly suited for those who may not have the highest test scores but are eager to learn and grow. The university hosts around 8,100 students, creating a community where individuals can connect with peers and faculty alike, fostering a supportive atmosphere.

After graduation, students from Ferris State University report earning an average salary of $54,735 within ten years. This figure reflects a pathway to economic stability, especially when considering the relatively affordable cost of attendance. The school's commitment to accessibility is evident, with a net price of $8,624 after aid, making it a feasible option for many. With a graduation rate of 47%, while some may find the journey challenging, those who persevere often find rewarding opportunities in their chosen fields.

Financially, students typically leave with a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable given the earnings potential. The affordability of Ferris State makes it an appealing option for a wide range of students, particularly those who value practical education and want to enter the workforce prepared. Here, individuals who thrive are often those motivated to engage with their studies and take advantage of the university's resources and community support.

Rankings

How Ferris Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation47%Earnings 10yr$55KNet Price$9KRetention78%Median Debt$21KPell Grant Rate34%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$3K$0-30K$4K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$19K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%914.7%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1855.5%MOBILITY169.72%

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,778
In-State Tuition
$14,778
Out-of-State
$8,624
Avg Net Price
$21,000
Median Debt
34%
Pell Grant Rate
43%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$2,556
Family Income $0–$30K
$4,315
Family Income $30K–$48K
$7,638
Family Income $48K–$75K
$18,603
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$47,339
6 Years After Entry
$52,215
8 Years
$54,735
10 Years
0.38x
Debt-to-Earnings
70%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$47,339 6yr $52,215 8yr $54,735 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

169.72%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1855.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
914.7%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$82,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.53
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.555%
Inventor Rate
102
Total Patents
72
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 91%
Retention Rate 78%
SAT Average 1012
ACT Midpoint 23
SAT Range 890–1120
ACT Range 20–24
Full-Time Faculty 71%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,752
Diversity Index 0.46
First-Gen Students 35%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 17%
Health Professions 16%
Criminal Justice 9%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Humanities 4%
Education 3%
Precision Production 3%
Computer Science & IT 3%