Ferris State University Review
Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, has 17 satellite locations across the state and a fully accredited online program. Ferris' enrollment averages around 14,000 students annually, making it the ninth-largest public university in the state.
Ferris State University Overview
Ferris State University began in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School and was the achievement of a lifelong dream for its founder, Woodbridge Nathan Ferris. W.N. Ferris advocated learning by doing, and the goal of the school was to teach students marketable skills in an ever-changing society. Today, Ferris continues in that tradition by combining academics with out-of-class experiences that provide practical skills and training.
Ferris offers associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and first professional degrees across ten colleges and over 170 academic programs. According to the Princeton Review, the most popular majors at Ferris State University are pre-pharmacy, pharmacy and elementary education.
Admissions and Enrollment Overview
Students interested in applying to Ferris are encouraged to create a free Ferris VIP webpage, where they can receive information about their major, student life, student organizations and housing, as well as guidance on application and enrollment. Students can apply to Ferris online through the school's website. Those interested in applying to off-campus locations, online programs or the Kendall College of Art and Design must follow separate, specific enrollment steps as specified on the respective webpages.
Campus Learning Environment and Facilities
Ferris State University's colleges and schools are organized around related programs, and each college has facilities that are designed to support its learning goals. For example, the College of Allied Health Sciences features small labs that use industry-standard equipment, while the College of Engineering Technology has state-of-the-art construction and HVACR, automotive and heavy equipment labs.
Ferris classes have an average student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. Academic programs are typically a combination of lectures and labs with off-campus service and internship opportunities. In addition to its online degree and certificate programs, Ferris State University offers numerous online classes as part of its regular curriculum.
Colleges and Schools at Ferris State University
- Kendall College of Art & Design
- Michigan College of Optometry
- University College
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education & Human Services
- College of Engineering Technology
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Professional & Technological Studies
- School of Criminal Justice
- School of Nursing
- School of Education
Contact Information
- Address: 1201 S. State St., Big Rapids, MI 49307
- Phone Number: (231) 591-2000