Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Total Enrollment

9,918

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

254

254 programs

Full-Time Students

6,542

2,398 part-time

Total FTE

7,706

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

281

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

3050

Total Recent Graduates

With 9,918 students, Ferris State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 254 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 6,542 (73.2%)

73.2%

Part-Time Students 2,398 (26.8%)

26.8%

Total Students 8,940

Balanced mix of full-time (73.2%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (66.0%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

53.8%

5,336 students

Men

46.2%

4,582 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

73.9%

7,329 students

White

73.9% (7,329)

Black/African American

8.6% (850)

Hispanic/Latino

6.4% (631)

Two or More Races

2.9% (285)

Asian

1.7% (168)

International Students

1.5% (153)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.8% (79)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (8)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 9,918 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 74% of the student body (7,329 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

8,940 students

47% Men, 53% Women

6,542 Full-time 2,398 Part-time

Diversity Index: 42% • Minority Students: 18%

Graduate students

978 students

35% Men, 65% Women

644 Full-time 334 Part-time

Diversity Index: 56% • Minority Students: 14%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

7,186

All full-time students

3,327 men, 3,859 women

Diversity: 45%

FT Undergraduate

6,542

Full-time undergraduate

3,085 men, 3,457 women

Diversity: 43%

FT Degree-Seeking

6,532

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

3,081 men, 3,451 women

Diversity: 43%

FT First-Time

1,590

Full-time first-time students

718 men, 872 women

Diversity: 52%

FT Continuing

4,942

Full-time continuing students

2,363 men, 2,579 women

Diversity: 40%

FT Transfer

553

Full-time transfer students

257 men, 296 women

Diversity: 43%

FT Continuing

4,389

Full-time other continuing

2,106 men, 2,283 women

Diversity: 40%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

4 men, 6 women

Diversity: 18%

FT Graduate

644

Full-time graduate students

242 men, 402 women

Diversity: 60%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,732

All part-time students

1,255 men, 1,477 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Undergraduate

2,398

Part-time undergraduate

1,150 men, 1,248 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,555

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

758 men, 797 women

Diversity: 43%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

20 men, 6 women

Diversity: 45%

PT Continuing

1,529

Part-time continuing students

738 men, 791 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Transfer

273

Part-time transfer students

125 men, 148 women

Diversity: 48%

PT Continuing

1,256

Part-time other continuing

613 men, 643 women

Diversity: 42%

PT Non-Degree

843

Part-time non-degree seeking

392 men, 451 women

Diversity: 33%

PT Graduate

334

Part-time graduate students

105 men, 229 women

Diversity: 44%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

6,708

White

790

Black/African American

588

Hispanic/Latino

140

Asian

112

International

Diversity Index: 42% Minority Students: 18%

Graduate students

621

White

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 56% Minority Students: 14%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Ferris State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Ferris State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 9,918 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (66.0%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 7,706 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 42% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (15:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

2315912000

Address

1201 S State St

Big Rapids, MI 49307-2251

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials