Ferris State University, a four-year public university with campuses in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids and satellite locations across Michigan, offers more than 120 educational programs. Degrees offered by the University include doctorate, master's, bachelor's and associate. 

Founded in 1884, the University has made its mission to be a national leader in career-oriented technical and professional education. Ferris is named for its founder, Woodbridge N. Ferris (1853-1928), a distinguished Michigan politician and educator, who served two terms as the state's governor and was elected to the United States Senate. 

The 770-acre main campus is located in Big Rapids, a city of approximately 12,000. With enrollment of nearly 11,000, Ferris State still maintains a student/faculty ratio of 16 to 1 by employing more than 450 full-time faculty members.

The University is organized into nine academic colleges: Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Science, Business, Education and Human Services, Pharmacy, the Michigan College of Optometry, Kendall College of Art and Design, University College, and the College of Professional and Technological Studies.