History, Affiliations, and Rankings
Ferris State University was founded by Woodbridge N. and Helen Gillespie in 1884 to offer a career-oriented education in Big Rapids, Michigan. It was founded as the Industrial School and obtained university status in 1987. Ferris was a private institute until 1950. Later it joined the state higher education system and became the only public university in Michigan to be founded by an individual. Its affiliation is with NCAA, Division II GLIAC, and Division I CCHA.Ferris State University is ranked in the 299 - 31 range in the National Universities ranking and ranked #3 in best mechanic school.
Infrastructure, Campuses, and Courses
The main campus of Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids that occupies an area of 935 acres. On-campus housing facilities along with food services are available for all students enrolled. Ferris State University has almost six Colleges to offer a wide range of courses in various disciplines like Business Studies, Arts, Science and Education, Design, Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Pharmacy, and Optometry. Presently, Ferris offers more than 190 educational programs which include Doctorate, master's, bachelor's, and Associate degree programs as well as certificate courses.
Accomplishments and Alumni
The success story of the Alumni of Ferris State University shows students of this university have a bright future. Linda Meeuwenberg - an alumnus of Ferris State University earned the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene in 2019, and Terrence Rollins has been inducted into the American Football Association’s Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame and Sean Huddleston was recently named president of Martin University in Indianapolis, Indiana. There are many other alumni of Ferris State University who are successful professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs who can be found around the world.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
Ferris State University enrols more than 14,500 students in full-time on-campus courses and online courses. International students from different countries come to join the diverse community at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Ferris State University conducts a career as well as internship fair every year through which a number of employers recruit Ferris students to work with them. Employers also get an opportunity to connect with students of different backgrounds and skills and choose the best candidate for the job role.
