Big Rapids, MI · Private University
Is Ferris State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,735
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$13,630
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,630
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$54,520
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.02x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
47.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,202
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Ferris State University graduates earn $9,735 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Ferris State University ranked by graduate earnings
175 graduates
86 graduates
21 graduates
134 graduates
37 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Ferris State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Ferris State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians: $81,758) and the lowest (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services: $31,983) is $49,775/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/TechniciansBest ROI | $81,758 | 6.0x |
| Construction Management | $81,593 | 6.0x |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $77,781 | 5.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $77,264 | 5.7x |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians | $74,933 | 5.5x |
| Manufacturing Engineering | $74,843 | 5.5x |
| Surveying Engineering(1yr data) | $72,931 | 5.3x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $72,757 | 5.3x |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies | $70,652 | 5.2x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $69,490 | 5.1x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $65,887 | 4.8x |
| Marketing | $64,239 | 4.7x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $63,839 | 4.7x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $59,538 | 4.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,996 | 4.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $55,826 | 4.1x |
| Biology, General | $54,199 | 4.0x |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $52,921 | 3.9x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,189 | 3.8x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $51,123 | 3.8x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $50,882 | 3.7x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $50,089 | 3.7x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $46,761 | 3.4x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $46,406 | 3.4x |
| Social Work | $43,864 | 3.2x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $43,033 | 3.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,392 | 3.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,325 | 3.0x |
| Graphic Communications | $41,149 | 3.0x |
| Psychology, General | $39,827 | 2.9x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $39,209 | 2.9x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $37,605 | 2.8x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $36,336 | 2.7x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $35,686 | 2.6x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $35,585 | 2.6x |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | $33,875 | 2.5x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related ServicesLowest | $31,983 | 2.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Ferris State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $54,735 10 years after starting, $9,735 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.