Aug. 13, 2025

Ferris State sees 48 percent enrollment surge from Newaygo region through life-changing Newaygo Promise Scholarship

A wave of opportunity is sweeping through Newaygo County as Ferris State University celebrates a 48 percent increase in enrollment from the region — a direct result of the new Newaygo Promise Scholarship, now making college more accessible than ever.

This fall, 86 freshmen from Newaygo County high schools or registered homeschool programs are set to begin their journey at Ferris State, up from 58 students last year. And the numbers are still growing, with time remaining to register for fall classes starting August 25.

“This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about changing lives and strengthening communities,” said Jeanine Ward-Roof, Ferris State’s vice president for Student Affairs. “The Newaygo Promise opens the door for local students to gain a high-quality education, pursue rewarding careers, and drive growth across the region. We’re proud to be part of that future.”

The Newaygo County Promise Scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year for eligible students from public high schools or registered homeschool programs in Newaygo County. Students can use the scholarship to pursue associate or bachelor’s degrees at Ferris State, one of Michigan’s newly designated Opportunity University.

“We are deeply grateful to Ferris State University for its continued partnership and unwavering commitment to student success,” Newaygo County Area Promise Zone Chairperson Blake Prewitt said. “This collaboration not only opens additional doors to higher education for our students but also empowers them to pursue meaningful careers and brighter futures. Together, we’re investing in the potential of our community—one student at a time.”

Originally launched in 2016 to support students attending Muskegon Community College, the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone expanded its reach in November 2024 with Ferris State, it’s first four-year university partnership.

Students from the Big Jackson, Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, and White Cloud districts are now eligible for this powerful investment in their future.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must:

• Graduate from a public high school or registered homeschool in Newaygo County
• Have a final unweighted GPA of 2.50 or higher
• Attend Ferris State full time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete at least 24 credit hours per academic year
• Submit the FAFSA annually and meet eligibility for federal financial aid

Scholarship amounts are 100 percent funded for students who attended a Newaygo County school from grades 7–12, with prorated awards available for students with fewer years in-district.

Ferris State’s financial aid team works closely with Promise students to secure additional funding through Pell Grants and other programs, ensuring financial barriers don’t stand in the way of student success.

While the deadline has passed to register for the Promise Zone Scholarship for the upcoming semester, students who have been approved still have time to enroll at Ferris State.

Ferris State’s commitment to student access and career readiness earned it the prestigious Opportunity University designation, part of a new classification system by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This recognition highlights institutions that enroll diverse student populations and successfully launch graduates into the workforce.

“The Opportunity University recognition affirms what we’ve always believed — that Ferris is where potential meets possibility,” Ward-Roof said.

There’s Still Time to Join the Bulldog Family. Students interested in applying for the fall 2025 semester still have time to enroll. Ferris State’s admissions hotline is available at 231-591-2000, and financial aid support can be reached at 231-591-2110. For email inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].