Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to hands-on education and practical learning experiences. Established in 1884, the university has a long tradition of providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. The university's motto, "The Education for a Better World," reflects its dedication to preparing graduates who are not only skilled in their professions but also engaged and responsible members of society. The university offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, and technology, catering to the educational needs and career aspirations of a broad student population.

Ferris State University takes pride in its vibrant campus culture and strong sense of community. The institution features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational centers that enhance the student experience. The university is also well-known for its commitment to extracurricular activities, offering a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic programs that encourage student involvement and development. Graduates of Ferris enjoy a strong employment rate, with many finding opportunities in Michigan and beyond, thanks to the university's emphasis on career-focused education and strong connections with local industries. Overall, Ferris State University stands out as a dynamic institution that combines academic rigor with a supportive environment, fostering student success and personal growth.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Ferris State University

Ferris State University has shown notable trends in several key metrics over recent years. Analyzing the graduation rates offers insightful information about student success at the institution. The on-time graduation rate significantly increased from approximately 18.6% in 2014 to about 36.4% in 2023, indicating an improvement in student academic performance and engagement. This upward trend suggests that institutional efforts to support students may have been effective, contributing to a more favorable academic environment.

Similarly, the retention rate has remained relatively stable but slightly decreased from around 76.7% in 2014 to about 72.8% in 2024. While still relatively high, this gradual decline could suggest challenges in keeping students, which the university may need to address to maintain enrollment figures.

Additionally, tuition costs have steadily increased, reaching $14,246 for in-state undergraduates and $14,246 for out-of-state undergraduates by 2024. This consistent rise in tuition can place financial pressure on students and their families, particularly amid inflation and economic challenges posed by recent global events. If tuition grows faster than family incomes, it could potentially influence enrollment numbers negatively in the coming years.

Furthermore, the gender distribution among undergraduate and graduate students reflects a shift, with male undergraduate representation dropping from approximately 48.1% in 2014 to around 46.3% in 2023. This shift could indicate changing demographics in higher education, with female enrollment surpassing male in many institutions.

In summary, while Ferris State University appears to be improving graduation outcomes, it must remain vigilant about retention strategies and the implications of rising tuition costs on student enrollment and diversity.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Ferris State University for 2023

The graduation data from Ferris State University reveals some significant insights into the trends and enrollment demographics across various programs. Notably, the fields of Criminal Justice and Registered Nursing stand out with non-zero graduates at the bachelor's level. Specifically, Criminal Justice produced 135 bachelor's graduates, which reflects the ongoing demand for professionals in this sector due to increasing public safety concerns and criminal justice reforms seen across the nation.

Interestingly, the data showcases a stark absence of international students from the nursing and medical fields, which underscores a potential missed opportunity for the institution. Furthermore, the lack of master's degrees awarded in medical and health-related disciplines may signify barriers to entry or a need for more supportive pathways for prospective students, especially those from abroad.

It's also worth noting the output from the General Studies and Education programs, which collectively produced a reasonable number of graduates. These disciplines suggest a focus on foundational education, promoting general literacy and critical thinking skills. The low numbers of graduates across associate degrees suggest a declining trend or perhaps an ongoing transition to bachelor’s degrees, which could point to shifts in academic preferences.

Overall, the data outlines a need for Ferris State University to consider enhancing its recruitment strategies for international students, particularly in critical fields like nursing and medical sciences, whilst continuing to meet the domestic demands for professions rooted in law enforcement and education. Such initiatives could not only improve diversity on campus but also align with the national trends in workforce development.

Analysis of Ferris State University Admission Trends

Ferris State University has shown a varied trajectory in its ranking and admission statistics over the years. The latest ranking for the year 2025 is 329, indicating a modest improvement from the previous year's ranking of 304. However, the university’s ranking has fluctuated significantly over the years, especially noted in 2023 when it fell to 331. The admission rates for both male and female students present an interesting perspective on the university's competitive landscape. For instance, the admission rate for males reached an impressive 85.96% in 2020, and females had an even higher acceptance rate of 87.10%. These figures suggest a proactive approach in attracting a diverse student body, yet the figures have since seen a decline. In contrast, the admission rates in 2024 stand at 79.55% for males and 81.21% for females, demonstrating the challenges the university faces in maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, the number of enrollees has seen fluctuations. The highest recorded enrollment was 2,111 in 2012, while the most recent data shows a decrease to 1,595 in 2024. This drop may reflect varying external factors such as changing demographic trends and evolving perceptions of higher education value. Ultimately, while Ferris State University demonstrates resilience through its fluctuating rankings and changes in admission rates, the challenge will be to stabilize and improve these metrics amidst a highly competitive higher education environment. Continued emphasis on attracting and retaining students will be crucial as the university moves forward.

Trends in Admissions Data at Ferris State University

The admissions data from Ferris State University over the years presents a notable trend regarding standardized test score submissions, particularly emphasizing the ACT and SAT. From 2007 to 2024, the percentage of ACT test takers demonstrating interest in attending Ferris State has consistently remained high, with figures mostly between 86% and 98%. This indicates a robust preference for ACT submissions among prospective students, suggesting that future applicants may favor this assessment for university admissions.

In contrast, SAT submissions exhibit a more fluctuating trajectory. The proportion of students submitting SAT scores varied significantly, with a peak of approximately 85% in 2018, declining to around 63% by 2023. This decline could reflect broader trends in college admissions practices, wherein universities are increasingly adopting test-optional policies, thereby allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores. As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it could be indicative of changing perceptions about the relevance of standardized testing in evaluating candidate potential.

The score ranges for both SAT and ACT demonstrate a stable average among admitted students, with the 25th percentile benchmark indicating decent proficiency levels. However, the continuous decline in SAT submissions raises questions about the implications for the university's future admissions strategy. It underscores the need for Ferris State University to adapt its evaluation criteria to align with shifting applicant preferences while still maintaining academic integrity and quality in its incoming classes.

Overall, the data reflects significant trends and transitions in the university's admissions landscape, posing essential considerations for future policies and practices.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Ferris State University 2024

The student demographics at Ferris State University in 2024 reveal a diverse and vibrant student body. With 1,616 undergraduate freshmen, the gender distribution indicates a slight majority of females at 54.3%, which contrasts with the overall slight male majority in upperclassmen and graduate students. This could reflect a growing trend in higher education where more women are enrolling in undergraduate programs.

The total enrollment for undergraduate juniors stands at 5,645, maintaining a balanced gender ratio of 48.2% male to 51.8% female. The undergraduate transfer students number 826, with a similar trend of female dominance at 53.8%. Interestingly, the graduate student demographic of 978 shows a significant disparity, with only 35.5% male representation, highlighting a potential shift in fields of study or professional interests among graduate students.

The ethnic composition is notably dominated by White students across all categories, although there is limited detailed breakdown for other ethnic groups in the provided data. Such demographics are crucial for understanding the cultural dynamics on campus and the university's efforts towards inclusivity.

Ferris State University appears to be fostering an environment that encourages female enrollment while still supporting a diverse student population. As higher education continues to evolve, it will be important for the university to address the needs of all students, ensuring equal opportunities and representation across different fields of study. This demographic data serves as a reflection of broader societal trends in education and gender representation, underscoring the importance of continual assessment in academic institutions.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Ferris State University in 2024

The 2024 student demographic at Ferris State University reveals significant insights into the age distribution and gender composition within the institution. The data indicates that students aged 18-19 represent the largest group, with 2,585 students, encompassing 1,160 males and 1,425 females. This aligns with typical trends seen in universities, where a significant influx of first-time college students occurs around this age.

As students progress in age, particularly in the 20-21 cohort, we observe a minor shift in the gender dynamics, with a notable presence of graduate males. Interestingly, the age group of 22-24 shows an increase in graduate enrollment, indicating that older students are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. The ratio of male to female students remains relatively balanced, although a slight drop in male enrollment can be seen in the higher age categories.

Notably, students aged 25 and above reflect a more mature demographic, with 856 individuals (294 males and 445 females) in the 25-29 age group. This suggests a trend toward lifelong learning, which is becoming increasingly common as individuals seek to enhance their qualifications and skills later in life. The figures decrease further for students aged 30-34 and beyond, highlighting the challenges that older students may face in balancing studies with personal and professional commitments.

Moreover, the participation of students aged 35 and older remains relatively low, showing that while higher education continues to be accessible to older demographics, they still represent a minority within the overall student population at Ferris State University. Overall, the data encapsulates not only the youth-centric nature of the university but also highlights the institution's potential role in supporting diverse age groups in higher education pursuits.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Ferris State University

The data reflecting international student enrollment at Ferris State University over the years showcases a notable downward trend, particularly concerning undergraduate and graduate international students. From the early 2000s, the university hosted a higher number of international undergraduates, with 184 students in 2005, but this figure has dramatically dropped to just 112 by 2024. The percentage of international undergraduates has also declined, with a slight peak of 2.81% in 2015 but a subsequent drop to just 1.25% in 2024, signaling a troubling trend for diversity within the undergraduate body.

In contrast, graduate international student numbers displayed more fluctuation yet followed a similar downward trend. The peak of 10.83% enrollment can be observed in 2016, yet this too declined to 4.19% by 2024. Such statistics could suggest various underlying issues affecting student recruitment, including changes in immigration policies, rising tuition costs, and possibly the fallout from the recent global pandemic, which ushered in a wave of uncertainty for international travel and education.

As institutions face increasing competition for international students from universities worldwide, Ferris State might need to adapt its strategies to attract a more diverse student population and enhance its global presence. This includes improving outreach, bolstering support services for international students, and perhaps most importantly, developing programs that resonate with students from diverse backgrounds. If these trends continue, the university could see diminished cultural exchange opportunities and less global engagement within its campus community.

Here are some notable schools surrounding Ferris State University:

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Ranked 21st in the 2025 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

2. Michigan State University - With a rank of 63, Michigan State University is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse student body. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

3. Northwestern University - As the 6th ranked university in the US, Northwestern is famed for its strong emphasis on research, significant academic resources, and its location near Chicago. It offers a prestigious education that attracts students from all over the world.

4. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 18th, Notre Dame is a private Catholic university known for its rigorous academic programs and a storied athletic tradition. It's located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and offers a vibrant campus community.

5. Kalamazoo College - This liberal arts college is ranked 69th and is recognized for its strong commitment to experiential learning and global education. The college attracts students looking for a personalized educational experience.

6. Hillsdale College - This college ranks 50th and emphasizes a classical liberal arts education. Hillsdale is well-known for its conservative values and a strong faculty dedicated to teaching.

These institutions provide a broad range of academic opportunities and contribute to the vibrant educational landscape surrounding Ferris State University.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Ferris State University

The crime statistics from Ferris State University indicate a noticeable decline in the average number of arrests and violations per 1,000 students over the past decade. In 2013, the average was reported at 15.48 incidents per 1,000 students, showing a gradual decrease to 8.22 in 2021. This is a significant shift and reflects the university's efforts in establishing a safer campus environment and possibly improved community engagement.

A marked reduction in drug-related arrests and alcohol-related incidents stands out in the data. For example, in 2015, the number of incidents related to drug possession and alcohol intoxication was considerably higher compared to recent years, highlighting a potential change in student behavior or the effectiveness of preventive measures put in place by campus authorities. After plummeting to a low of 91.8 incidents in 2021, the numbers slightly bounced back in following years, suggesting that it is crucial for ongoing vigilance and support from both the university administration and student communities.

Amid rising conversations regarding campus safety, these statistics suggest that educational institutions like Ferris State University are making strides towards fostering a secure atmosphere. However, continual assessment and adaptive policies are essential to sustain and improve these trends, ensuring student welfare remains a priority. Overall, while it is encouraging to see a decreasing trend in crime rates, maintaining and furthering these efforts will be crucial in the years ahead.

For more information on how crime rates are calculated, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.