Ferris State University is one of the best universities in Michigan for students looking to get the “Best Bang for the Buck,” according to a Washington, D.C.-based online publication.

Washington Monthly’s 2023 Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest ranked 250 colleges and universities based on how they assist non-wealthy students earn a marketable degree at an affordable price. 

Ferris State ranked fifth in Michigan, and 40th in the Midwest – positioned well among its colleges and universities in the state, trailing only Lake Superior State University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan – Dearborn, University of Michigan and Kettering University.

Three equally rated criteria highlight the Washington Monthly rankings: social mobility, research, and community and national service. Factors such as the number of first-generation college students, tuition rates, graduation rate and the number of students receiving Pell grants are among those considered. 

“We take great pride in our outreach efforts toward ensuring that a Ferris State University degree is accessible and affordable to students – particularly students who may see financial hurdles as barriers toward a Ferris State degree,” said Jeanine Ward-Roof, vice president for Student Affairs. “Our work is geared toward clearing a path to higher education and quality job opportunities post-graduation in a constantly evolving workforce.” 

Ferris State started the 2023-24 academic year on Aug. 28 with nearly 10,000 students enrolled on the Big Rapids campus and at locations across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula through Kendall College of Art and Design and its Statewide Student Success Hubs, which launched in 2023. 

“These days we know, because students are talking with our recruiters about it, that the value of higher education is top of mind for high school graduates and their parents,” Ward-Roof said. 

Ward-Roof noted Ferris State’s emphasis on career-oriented instruction from faculty who bring industry experience to the classroom to help students become workforce-ready at graduation. Ferris State’s Career and Professional Success team works with students to become career-ready while bringing them face-to-face with employers for voluntary and required internships, post-college job opportunities through the Career and Internship Fair, and more. The Fall 2023 Career and Internship Fair is Oct. 26. 

She also pointed to a Ferris State emphasis on the required and voluntary internship experiences students embrace and the work of the Career and Professional Success team to help student preparation. 

“Our students come to Ferris State expecting a well-rounded experience on their way to graduating and becoming our alumni,” she said. “They want and deserve that quality. Our mission is to keep it accessible and affordable.”