Ferris State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Ferris State University?

Ferris State University demonstrates graduation outcomes that place it in the lower to average range when compared to other institutions. The overall graduation rate stands at 48%, situating the university in the bottom 35% percentile. Male students graduate at a slightly lower rate of 46%, ranking in the bottom 40%, whereas female students graduate at a 50% rate, which falls into the bottom 30%. The disparity indicates that while women have a marginally higher graduation success, both genders face challenges completing their programs on time.

Looking specifically at graduation within four years, Ferris State University has a notably low rate of 31%, ranking in the bottom 30%. This suggests that less than one-third of students complete their bachelor's degrees within the traditional four-year timeframe. However, the six-year graduation rate improves to 54%, reflecting an average standing in the bottom half of the national range. This indicates a significant number of students take longer than four years to complete their degrees but eventually do graduate.

The university's retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-year students returning for a second year, is 73%. This figure aligns with an average but remains in the lower 45th percentile compared to peer schools, highlighting room for improvement in student persistence after entry.

These statistics paint a comprehensive picture of student progression at Ferris State University, emphasizing extended timeframes to graduation for many, and relatively modest retention rates in comparison to other institutions.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Ferris State University?

Graduates of Ferris State University see a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those pursuing degrees in engineering technology and related technical disciplines tend to achieve the highest earnings. For instance, graduates in industrial production technologies and technicians report average earnings around $70,938, while electrical engineering technologies and technicians follow closely with $67,507. Mechanical engineering related technologies graduates earn approximately $64,480, and surveying engineering majors make about $60,062. Construction management graduates also see strong earnings at $62,334 annually.

Other technical and computer-related degrees also provide solid financial returns. Computer/information technology administration and management graduates typically earn $55,898, and those in computer and information sciences generally make around $52,448. Additionally, clinical and health-related fields demonstrate competitive incomes, with clinical/medical laboratory science graduates earning about $55,702 and registered nursing degrees averaging $61,037. Allied health intervention fields report earnings near $53,881, and dental support services graduates make roughly $55,449.

Students studying business-related programs can expect moderate but respectable earnings. Business administration, management, and operations graduates earn on average $42,911, with human resources management at $42,943 and finance and financial management services at $49,323. Accounting graduates make approximately $41,751, while specialized sales and marketing operations offer $39,068 annually. Marketing majors average earnings of $36,595, while hospitality administration graduates make about $32,859.

Education graduates, focused on teacher training and professional development, have consistent earnings close to $37,000 with specific subject area education at $36,982 and specific levels and methods at $37,019. Criminal justice graduates see earnings near $37,995, and social work majors average $31,464. Biology graduates tend to earn less, with an average income of $21,733, reflecting the variety of career paths within natural sciences.

Creative and communication fields tend to have lower median earnings compared to technical and business disciplines. For example, graduates in public relations, advertising, and applied communication earn approximately $34,258, while graphic communications report $31,428. Arts, entertainment, and media management degree holders earn about $28,211, and human development and family studies graduates have earnings near $29,467.

This broad spectrum illustrates how degree choice at Ferris State University impacts average earnings after graduation, with technical, engineering, health, and business programs generally providing stronger financial prospects for alumni.