Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Ferris State University vary significantly by field of study, with engineering technology and health programs leading earnings while liberal arts programs focus on broader career preparation. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 40 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify Ferris State's standout programs across earnings performance, national rankings, and enrollment strength.
#2 nationally
$82K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Ferris State University.
Engineering technology programs represent Ferris State's strongest performers nationally and in earnings outcomes. Chemical Engineering Technology ranks #2 nationally with $81,758 median earnings, while Aerospace Engineering Technology ranks #3 nationally earning $77,264.
Manufacturing Engineering graduates earn $74,843 with a #6 national ranking. These programs deliver exceptional value scores and demonstrate the institution's technical program strength, making them ideal for students prioritizing both career preparation and earning potential in applied engineering fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #2 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data tracking graduate earnings and debt levels. Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career fields have varying earning potential, employer demand, and required skill sets. Engineering technology programs typically command higher salaries due to technical specialization and industry demand, while liberal arts programs often prepare students for diverse career paths with broader but potentially lower initial earnings. Rankings emphasize quantitative outcomes—median earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—rather than academic reputation or institutional prestige. Cohort sizes indicate program enrollment levels and provide context for outcome reliability, with larger cohorts offering greater statistical confidence. Data represents graduates who worked and were not enrolled in further education, providing realistic employment earnings rather than including those pursuing advanced degrees.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $81,758★ |
| $17,734 |
| 128 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #18 | $77,781 | — | 16 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #3 | $77,264 | $15,348 | 93 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians, Other. | — | $74,933 | — | 26 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | #7 | $74,843 | — | 45 |
| Surveying Engineering.Small sample | — | $72,931 | — | 12 |
| Computer Support Specialist. | #19 | $69,490 | — | 31 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #183 | $65,887 | — | 23 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | #4 | $56,789 | — | 16 |
Business programs show varied outcomes across specializations, with Construction Management leading at $81,593 for 60 graduates and Digital Marketing producing strong earnings of $64,239 for 52 graduates. Business Administration, the institution's second-largest program, graduates 257 students earning $56,996.
Accounting Technology graduates earn $55,826 but with lower value scores. These programs suit students seeking practical business preparation with immediate career application across construction, marketing, and general management fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General. | #15 | $81,593★ | — | 60 |
| Digital Marketing. | #73 | $64,239 | — | 52 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #151 | $56,996 | $16,513 | 257 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #242 | $55,826 | — | 36 |
| Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations. | #4 | $52,921 | — | 27 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #49 | $50,089 | — | 22 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services.Small sample | #208 | $48,041 | — | 10 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #76 | $35,686 | — | 28 |
Health programs at Ferris State combine solid earnings with substantial enrollment, led by Adult Health Nursing which graduates 160 students annually earning $72,757. Clinical Research Coordinator programs serve 52 graduates earning $51,123, while other health professions programs graduate 49 students earning $46,406.
These programs provide direct pathways to healthcare careers with manageable debt levels and strong job market demand, suitable for students seeking stable healthcare professions with clear licensing pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #112 | $72,757★ | $14,588 | 160 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #27 | $63,839 | — | 20 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | #58 | $59,538 | — | 18 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #47 | $51,123 | — | 52 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant.Small sample | #28 | $50,882 | — | 13 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #17 | $46,406 | — | 49 |
Biology represents the primary science offering, graduating 79 students with median earnings of $54,199 and ranking #45 nationally. This program demonstrates strong value with an 88.0 value score and #2 state ranking, indicating effective preparation for biology careers or graduate study.
The program combines solid earnings with respected academic standing, making it suitable for students planning careers in biological sciences or health professional school preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General.Small sample | — | $54,347★ | — | 8 |
| Biology, General. | #41 | $54,199 | — | 79 |
Forensic Social Work. leads social sciences & policy with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #92 | $43,864★ | $22,460 | 67 |
| Psychology, General. | #239 | $39,827 | $21,000 | 36 |
Animation and Interactive Technology represents a specialized communications program graduating 61 students with median earnings of $41,149. Despite moderate earnings, the program ranks #8 nationally and #1 in Michigan, indicating strong program reputation in digital media production.
This program suits students seeking creative technology careers in animation and digital effects, combining artistic expression with technical skills in growing media industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #59 | $46,761★ | — | 28 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | #10 | $41,149 | — | 61 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | #5 | $33,875 | — | 15 |
Visual arts programs include Commercial Photography, which graduates 73 students earning $39,209, though with higher debt levels and lower value scores. General Studies serves 54 graduates earning $29,064, reflecting the broad liberal arts pathway.
These programs offer creative and exploratory educational experiences but with more modest earnings outcomes, making them suitable for students prioritizing creative development over immediate earning potential in specialized fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #82 | $39,209★ | $23,248 | 73 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #182 | $37,605 | — | 10 |
| Creative Writing.Small sample | #46 | $36,336 | — | 16 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General. | #10 | $35,585 | — | 20 |
| General Studies. | #191 | $29,064 | — | 54 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. leads education with 41K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #165 | $41,392★ | — | 42 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #147 | $41,325 | — | 20 |
Corrections Administration stands as Ferris State's largest program by enrollment, graduating 288 students annually with median earnings of $52,189. The program ranks #23 nationally and #2 in Michigan, demonstrating strong reputation in law enforcement and corrections education.
With an excellent value score of 88.5, this program provides direct pathways to criminal justice careers and represents a flagship offering that attracts substantial student demand for public safety careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #23 | $52,189 | $18,046 | 288 |
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician. leads other & interdisciplinary with 71K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician.Small sample | — | $70,652★ | — | 12 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #92 | $31,983 | — | 28 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
