Ferris State Sending Financial Aid Awards to Accepted Students while Awaiting FAFSA Data to Help Families Make College Choice

Ferris State University is sending out financial aid awards to accepted students this month even though administrators – and prospective students – are awaiting long-delayed FAFSA information from the federal government.

The federal government revamped the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, to create a more streamlined process to determine how much financial assistance students are eligible to receive based on income.

But delays and glitches have frustrated colleges and families, with many students delaying the decision on which school to attend. Ferris State financial aid experts say they are planning to begin sending out financial aid award letters the week of April 15 based on information in hand.

“Students want to decide on where to go to college. We are ready to ease the anxiety that many are experiencing and help them come to Ferris State to transform their lives,” said Kristen Salomonson, Ferris State’s dean of Enrollment Services. “We know that our students and their families need this information to make an informed decision, and we are going to provide it to them.”

While FAFSA completion rates are down 11 percent in Michigan, Ferris State is bucking the trend with a 4 percent increase.

Sending out financial aid award letters is Ferris State’s latest effort to help prospective students that have been waiting for FAFSA information.

The university is increasing the amount of money available in some merit-based Woodbridge N. Ferris Scholarships for new students that are based on academic performance. Increases vary between $500 and $1,500 depending on the scholarship. Those awarded a $1,500 Crimson Scholarship will see a $1,500 increase. Students earning a $3,500 Dean’s Scholarship will get a $1,000 increase.

Students receiving $6,000 President’s Scholarships and $5,000 Provost’s Scholarships will see a $500 increase. The dollar amount for a $1,000 Ferris Forward Scholarship will be the same, but it will be available to more students as students with a 2.25 high school grade point average are now eligible, adjusted from the prior 2.50 requirement.

Woodbridge N. Ferris Scholarship funds are available for students who have already applied and been accepted, as well as those still to apply for the fall 2024 semester.

The university also encourages students to look at its ScholarshipUniverse program, which provides access to thousands of scholarships. 

Salomonson said 92 percent of Ferris State graduates stay in Michigan, using the skills gained at the university for rewarding careers close to home. Salmonson said there are other financial aid opportunities, such as the Ferris Pledge and federal Pell Grants that could lower the cost of attendance.

She said students with questions may schedule a one-on-one appointment online, contact the Financial Aid Hotline at 231-591-2110, or send questions by email to [email protected]. Additional information about the scholarships is available at this link. Bulldog Bonus information is available at this link.