November 7, 2025
A student's perspective: Why I chose to attend Ferris State
When I was a senior in high school, the idea of picking a college felt more overwhelming than exciting. I didn’t even know exactly what I wanted to study yet. Everyone had an idea and a plan for their future but me. I even took a gap year after high school to figure it out.
But what I did know is that I wanted to go somewhere that felt welcoming, affordable, and full of opportunity. I toured a few campuses, scrolled through lots websites, and talked to anyone who would listen. But something about Ferris State stood out. It wasn’t just the programs or the pretty campus. It felt right. Now, a few years later, I can say with confidence: choosing Ferris was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Main Reasons I Said Yes
One of the big reasons I chose Ferris was affordability. As a first year student, I was awarded the Dean Scholarship, which helped make college feel more within reach financially. Ferris State has an excellent College of Business, which contains a number of programs I wanted to explore. I liked that I could explore both creative and strategic sides of business, all within one degree and lots of opportunities.
When I first visited campus, it instantly felt like the perfect size. Not overwhelming, but definitely not boring. Big Rapids might be a small town, but there’s a real sense of community here that I didn’t feel at bigger schools. During my tour, everyone from the staff to current students was friendly and honest, and that made me feel like I could truly see myself here. It felt like I was choosing a place where I could grow.
Moments That Made It Worth It
As time went on, there have been plenty of moments that reminded me why Ferris State was the right choice. I got involved in on-campus jobs that connected directly to my interests, like marketing and communications. Working with the University's Marketing and Communications team gave me hands-on experience that I never imagined I’d get so early on.
Another highlight was making the Dean’s List after a tough first year. Being able to do this felt like proof that all my hard work and growth were paying off. This was a very rewarding moment. I also found myself genuinely enjoying certain classes, especially when professors brought real-world knowledge into the room and made learning feel relevant. Those experiences, big and small, gave me confidence and a sense of purpose.
Advice for Anyone Considering Ferris state
If you’re a high school student feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to go next, everyone has been there and it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. What I can say is that choosing to attend Ferris State was the best decision I've made, even if I didn’t fully realize it at the time.
This place gave me room to grow, people who believed in me, and opportunities that helped me discover what I’m capable of. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. If you’re looking for a school that feels personal, supportive, and full of potential Ferris State just might be the right fit for you too.
About Me
I'm Santana Garcia, and I’m currently a sophomore at Ferris State University majoring in Marketing with a minor in Public Relations. I’m super passionate about brand strategy, content creation, and all things in student life. Outside of class, I’m usually working in the Marketing department on campus, hanging out at the Eisler Center, or staying active in student orgs. I wanted to give you a real, personal look at what a typical day in my life as a Ferris State student looks like because let’s be honest, college is so much more than just classes.
