Facts That Make People Say "WOW" About Ferris!
  • Our dedication to making education affordable has set the scene for a 25 percent growth in enrollment since 2000 to a record 14,560 students for Fall 2011.
  • Since 2001, the number of bachelor’s-level and more advanced degrees awarded has increased by 54 percent.
  • Ferris has doubled the number of graduates in professional Optometry and Pharmacy programs in which it offers doctoral degrees.
  • Kendall College of Art and Design has seen 175 percent enrollment growth since its integration with Ferris in 2000.
  • The academic profile of entering students (measured in high school grades and ACT scores) has improved by 20 percent in the last five years.
  • Ferris has fewer large classes than any other public university in Michigan. Only 1.1 percent of Ferris classes have 50 or more students.
  • In the fall of 2009, Ferris’ teacher education program was ranked the best in Michigan.
  • In the fall of 2010, Ferris launched the first doctoral degree in education sharply focused on community college leadership.
  • Ferris is a preferred school for students transferring from community colleges or other universities. In the fall of 2008, Ferris received more than 4,000 transfer applications – second among all universities in the state behind Michigan State University.
  • More than 89 percent of all Ferris degrees awarded since 2006 were in programs that align with at least one in-demand occupation.
  • Employment rates for 2009 Ferris graduates are better than 93 percent.
  • Ferris students are committed to service learning. Over the past two years students have gathered more than 10,400 pounds of food contributed to local food banks. On just one day, more than 1,000 students helped to beautify the Big Rapids community as their way of saying thank you to the community.
  • Ferris is the fastest-growing public university in Michigan.
  • Courses are taught by professors, not grad students.
  • 125 years of career-oriented education.
  • 15:1 faculty-student ratio.
  • Ferris offers more than 170 majors.
  • Ferris offers classes statewide at 17 sites.
  • Many courses are offered only at Ferris in the U.S.
  • Many courses are offered only at Ferris in Michigan.
  • Professional Golf Management has 100% career placement.
  • 81 percent of students receive financial aid.
  • Professional Tennis Management has 100% career placement.
  • Most Michigan pharmacists graduated from Ferris.
  • Most Michigan optometrists graduated from Ferris.
  • $162 million in aid is awarded yearly.
  • Exchange program students can choose from overseas, U.S., and historic black colleges.
  • Freshmen can have cars on campus.
  • With the Great Lakes scholarship, out of state students pay the equivalent of in-state tuition.
  • Ferris offers two doctorate programs.
  • Associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees are offered.
  • Ferris has more than 200 student organizations.
  • Ferris does not charge to apply.
  • Ferris is the only Michigan public university named after its founder.
  • The Bulldogs compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports.
  • The College of Engineering Technology is the second largest of its kind in the nation.
  • We offer the nation’s only 4-year Heavy Equipment degree.
  • The CET is third in the nation in enrollment of women.
  • Ferris has the fewest number of large classes of any Michigan public university.
  • The majority of our degrees align with occupations expected to have job growth.
  • Only 1 percent of classes have more than 50 students.
  • More than 50 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.
  • Safe, home-town environment.
  • Three hours from Chicago and Detroit and close to Lake Michigan beaches.
  • Plentiful outdoor recreation.
  • Our Teacher Education program is ranked second in the state.
  • Graphic Design students create River Bank Run graphics.
  • Big Event community project had 1,000 student volunteers.
  • The top athlete-scholar in two of the past four years has been a Ferris football player.
  • Both golf teams are traditionally ranked among the top 10 teams in the nation.
  • Scholarship to Mentor programs matches freshmen to mentors.
  • Ferris has a 127 year tradition of career-focused education.