Ferris State University's published cost of attendance is $26,066 per year, including $13,630 in tuition, $10,660 for room and board, and $862 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $12,202 representing savings of $13,864 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $27,048 |
| Tuition and Fees | $14,778 |
| Room and Board | $11,462 |
| Books and Supplies | $890 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$18,424 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $8,624 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,556 |
| $30–48k | $4,315 |
| $48–75k | $7,638 |
| $75–110k | $12,485 |
| $110k+ | $18,603 |
Ferris State University's published cost of attendance is $26,066 per year, including $13,630 in tuition, $10,660 for room and board, and $862 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $12,202 representing savings of $13,864 from the sticker price. This net price falls $1,891 below the peer median of $14,093, making Ferris State more affordable than typical institutions in its comparison group.
The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price reflects the institution's commitment to making education accessible through need-based financial aid. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $5,957 for families earning under $30,000 to $19,308 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income students face minimal cost barriers while middle and upper-income families pay rates that remain below published costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Ferris State University graduates carry median debt levels of $21,000, essentially matching the peer median of $21,105 and indicating typical borrowing patterns for similar institutions. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile, showing reasonable variation in borrowing needs across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates that typical graduates can manage their debt burden relative to post-graduation income, as median earnings of $54,735 provide adequate capacity for loan repayment. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $12,789 with monthly payments of $168, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The combination of controlled student borrowing and solid post-graduation earnings creates favorable conditions for successful debt repayment. Graduates earning at the 25th percentile ($34,587) face more challenging debt-to-income ratios, while those earning at the 75th percentile ($80,060) enjoy very manageable debt burdens, reflecting the importance of program choice in determining post-graduation financial outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Ferris State University represents a solid educational investment, particularly for students seeking practical career preparation without excessive debt burden. Graduates earn $5,811 beyond expectations relative to similar students nationwide, ranking well above average at the 76.1st percentile for earnings uplift.
This positive value-added performance indicates that the institution enhances earning potential beyond what student demographics would predict. Median debt of $21,000 remains manageable relative to median earnings of $54,735, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38.
The combination of reasonable net costs, controlled borrowing levels, and earnings that exceed expectations positions Ferris State favorably for return on educational investment. Students in high-earning programs like Chemical Engineering Technology ($81,758) or Construction Management ($81,593) benefit from particularly strong investment returns, while even moderate-earning programs provide solid career preparation.
Ferris State demonstrates strong commitment to financial accessibility through substantial aid provision across diverse student populations. With 33.6% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution serves a significant population of lower-income students who benefit from federal need-based aid.
The average financial aid package of $13,864 covers more than half of the published cost of attendance, bringing average net costs well below sticker prices. The progressive net pricing structure, where lowest-income students pay $5,957 while highest-income families pay $19,308, indicates effective need-based aid targeting.
This approach aligns with the institution's enrollment of 35.3% first-generation students, many of whom likely benefit from need-based assistance. The substantial aid provision supports the institution's role as an Opportunity Builder, ensuring that cost barriers do not prevent access for students from diverse economic backgrounds seeking career-focused education.
