At $12,202/yr net price, Ferris State University graduates earn $54,735/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,735/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,202 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,735/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,735/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,957/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,962/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,303/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,193/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,308/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $123,608 | $103,000 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $97,071 | $144,874 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $81,498 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $74,576 | $19,594 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $74,122 | $23,451 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,535 | $23,500 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,240 | |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,941 | $16,052 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Bachelor | $65,905 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
47.9% of students at Ferris State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ferris State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $12,202 annual net price creates reasonable debt levels for most graduates, but the 47.9% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree and still owe money.
Pharmacy and optometry programs generate strong earnings but require massive debt loads. Pharmacy graduates earn $123,608 annually with $103,000 in debt, while optometry graduates make $97,071 but carry $144,874 in loans. These professional programs justify their costs only if you complete them successfully.
Business administration offers solid middle-ground returns at $81,498 annually without excessive debt. Nursing provides steady career prospects at $76,460, while quality control programs deliver strong value with $74,576 earnings against just $19,594 in debt.
The university's location in rural Michigan limits some career opportunities, making program selection critical. Professional health programs connect to nationwide job markets, but other majors may face regional wage constraints. The 72.8% retention rate suggests academic support issues that could delay graduation and increase costs.
Ferris works best for students committed to specific career-focused programs, particularly healthcare and technical fields. The relatively low aid percentage means you'll likely pay close to sticker price, making the affordable base cost important. Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or considering programs not listed among the high earners, as the combination of modest regional opportunities and below-average graduation rates creates financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferris State University worth the cost compared to other Michigan schools?
Ferris State University offers good value with a net price of $12,202 and typical debt of $21,000, but the 48% graduation rate creates risk. The school's pharmacy and optometry programs deliver strong returns, while other majors may not justify the cost.
What programs at Ferris State University have the best return on investment?
Pharmacy ($123,608 median earnings) and optometry ($97,071) programs at Ferris State provide excellent ROI. Business and nursing also perform well, but most other programs struggle to deliver strong financial returns given the low graduation rate.
How much debt do Ferris State University graduates typically have?
Ferris State graduates carry a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable for high-earning programs like pharmacy and optometry. However, students in lower-paying majors face debt-to-income ratios that may cause financial stress.
Why is Ferris State University's graduation rate so low and does it affect ROI?
Only 48% of students graduate from Ferris State, meaning over half leave without a degree but often with debt. This low completion rate significantly hurts the school's overall value proposition except for students in the strongest professional programs.