Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan · Public · 91.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 68/100 · Fair Value
Ferris State University earns a Fair Value ROI score of 68 - a strong showing for a Michigan regional public driven almost entirely by its deep slate of technical and trade-adjacent programs. Tuition is $14,778, but heavy aid drops net price to a remarkably low $8,624, with four-year cost of just $34,496 - one of the most affordable comprehensive universities in our database. Median earnings six years out are $40,300, climbing to $54,735 by year ten. The earnings premium subscore of 92 reflects strong wage outcomes for Ferris graduates relative to high school baselines. Payback period of 8.8 years and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.521 against $21,000 median debt produce workable economics. The drag is completion: just 46.9% of students finish, scoring 32 out of 100. Repayment rate of 72.2% is also middling. The institution's program lineup is its calling card - 15+ programs earn B or B+ ROI grades, spanning manufacturing engineering, construction management, nursing, dental hygiene, and skilled-trades pathways. As of 2024-2025 Scorecard data, Ferris is one of the strongest blue-collar value plays in American higher education for students who select its technical programs and finish.
Ferris State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,778/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $14,778/yr |
| Average net price | $8,624/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $34,496 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,735 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $223 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 46.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 8,106 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Ferris State University is $14,778/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $8,624/year, or roughly $34,496 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $2,556/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,603/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $21,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $223 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,735 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,556 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,315 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,638 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,485 |
| $110,001+ | $18,603 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay just $2,556 net - a stunning figure that makes Ferris essentially free for Pell-eligible students. Four-year cost around $10,000. For low-income students entering a technical program, Ferris offers one of the best ROI plays in the database. The challenge is completion: institutional supports matter enormously at this price point.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($48,001-$75,000) pay $7,638 - still extraordinarily affordable. Four-year cost around $30,000. The brackets are perfectly progressive and the value proposition is one of the strongest available at any school. Strong technical-program outcomes plus very low net cost produces excellent ROI.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($110,001+) pay $18,603 - the highest bracket and consistent with a progressive aid formula. Four-year cost around $74,000. Even at full freight, Ferris remains a sensible choice for full-pay students targeting its technical specialties. Comparable to in-state tuition at flagships but with a stronger trade-focused program slate.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Ferris State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $64,131 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $60,325 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $81,718 | B |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $91,993 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $82,821 | B |
| Design and Applied Arts | $50,658 | D |
| Teacher Education | $45,053 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $54,837 | D |
| Graphic Communications | $44,116 | D |
| Biology | $56,878 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business is Ferris's largest program with 171 graduates annually. First-year earnings of $48,535 climb to $64,131 by year four. Median debt of $25,384 produces a 0.523 ratio and C+ ROI grade. Solid Michigan regional placement, particularly into manufacturing-adjacent operations and supply chain roles. A reasonable choice but not the school's standout.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice is Ferris's second-largest program with 164 graduates. First-year earnings of $44,897 climbing to $60,325 by year four. Median debt of $25,260 yields a 0.563 ratio and C ROI grade. Strong placement into Michigan state and local law enforcement supports the wages. Reasonable economics for a CJ degree.
Registered Nursing
Nursing graduates 97 students with first-year earnings of $74,851 climbing to $81,718 by year four. Median debt of $27,000 produces a healthy 0.361 ratio and B ROI grade. Strong demand for RNs across Michigan supports the wages. One of Ferris's clearest financial wins.
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Industrial Production graduates 86 students - a distinctive Ferris program targeting manufacturing supervisor and process roles. First-year earnings of $78,820 are exceptional, climbing to $91,993 by year four. Median debt of $24,250 produces a 0.308 ratio and B+ ROI grade. Leverages Michigan's deep manufacturing economy. Among the highest-ROI programs in our entire database.
Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering graduates 43 students with first-year earnings of $68,715 climbing to $80,996 by year four. Notably low median debt of $18,500 produces a strong 0.269 ratio and B+ ROI grade. The program is a centerpiece of Ferris's identity and places exceptionally well into Michigan's auto and industrial manufacturing employers. Excellent program-level value.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 66.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 62.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 91.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-550 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 460-570 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-24 |
| Enrollment | 8,106 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 34.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,752 |
Ferris admits 91.4% of applicants - effectively open admission. SAT mid-ranges (430-550 math, 460-570 reading) and ACT 20-24 indicate a student body with academic preparation moderately below state-flagship norms. The 47% completion rate is consistent with this profile and is the single biggest risk factor at Ferris. Students who arrive academically prepared and pick a structured technical program graduate at much higher rates than the institution-wide number.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Ferris's peers include Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Washington University, University of Northern Iowa, and College of Staten Island-CUNY. Within this set Ferris's 68 score outperforms most regional-public peers - Eastern Michigan typically scores 50-55, Central Michigan slightly higher. Ferris's distinctive technical-college identity, with its deep manufacturing and skilled-trades offerings, produces stronger earnings outcomes than the broader liberal arts focus of typical regional publics.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University (this school) | 68 | $8,624 | $54,735 |
| University of Northern Iowa | 69 | $15,901 | $55,177 |
| Central Washington University | 68 | $18,476 | $61,580 |
| College of Staten Island CUNY | 67 | $5,579 | $53,501 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
Who Thrives Here
Ferris fits Michigan students seeking affordable in-state public tuition with a clear vocational path - manufacturing engineering, construction management, nursing, dental hygiene, IT, or skilled trades. Enrollment of 8,106 is moderate-large. Pell rate of 34.2% is notably high, reflecting a working-class student body. The data is sharply program-dependent: technical programs produce B and B+ grades; liberal arts (psychology, biology, fine arts) earn D and F. Self-aware students who match major to economic outcome will do exceptionally well here.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Ferris State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $8,624 per year leads to $34,496 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $54,735 a decade out. The payback period of 8.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 46.9% graduation rate.
Median debt of $21,000 against $54,735 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.