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.
recent graduates
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | — | $91,993 |
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
| $17,734 |
| 99 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | — | $91,678 | — | 28 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | — | $88,670 | — | 34 |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $86,348 | — | 15 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General.Small sample | — | $85,131 | — | 17 |
| Surveying Engineering.Small sample | — | $84,958 | — | 13 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | — | $82,821 | $15,348 | 106 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | — | $80,996 | — | 32 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $54,031 | — | 13 |
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. | — | $90,504★ | — | 66 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services.Small sample | — | $75,797 | — | 11 |
| Human Resources Management and Services.Small sample | — | $66,054 | — | 17 |
| Marketing. | — | $66,023 | — | 29 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $64,131 | $16,513 | 181 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | — | $61,884 | — | 25 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $53,742 | — | 54 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | — | $49,983 | — | 26 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $81,718★ | $14,588 | 107 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.Small sample | — | $76,031 | — | 17 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.Small sample | — | $64,703 | — | 16 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.Small sample | — | $63,582 | — | 15 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | — | $62,718 | — | 37 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | — | $56,774 | — | 39 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | — | $56,878★ | — | 77 |
| Applied Mathematics.Small sample | — | $47,260 | — | 7 |
Social Work. leads social sciences & policy with 53K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | — | $53,351★ | $22,460 | 45 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $49,596 | $21,000 | 37 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | — | $51,396★ | — | 20 |
| Graphic Communications. | — | $44,116 | — | 71 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $43,507 | — | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $54,837★ | — | 43 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $50,658 | $23,248 | 101 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management.Small sample | — | $48,367 | — | 9 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.Small sample | — | $47,823 | — | 19 |
| Fine and Studio Arts.Small sample | — | $39,165 | — | 11 |
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. leads education with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $51,484★ | — | 30 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $45,053 | — | 57 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $60,325 | $18,046 | 249 |
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. leads other & interdisciplinary with 84K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $83,528★ | — | 10 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | — | $45,052 | — | 29 |
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.
