Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI, USA

Reviews

Ferris State University

Samantha from Grand Rapids, MI

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently enrolled at Kendall (Ferris affiliate) and I find that the art studio and elective classes are very thorough and challenging. The professors are enjoyable, the atmosphere is non-competitive and the student life enjoyable and fun. Warning: Classes are very strict on deadlines, so keep on your toes! Freshmen Classes may seem repetitive if you took similar in high school but take them anyway! Very refreshing and informative.
Am enjoying being here
The student life includes holiday parties (like the upcoming Halloween party, complete with costume contest) and active participation in art exhibitions, internal and external (i.e. Art Prize of Grand Rapids). Kendall is big on student works being displayed and has them frequently displayed in the halls. We all get our equal share of attention.
Bang for the buck
Though the classes are enjoyable and the atmosphere is awesome, the tuition is expensive. 12,000+ dollars is estimated for each year. Keep up with tuition bills and talk to the counselors frequently to check balances, pick the correct classes, etc.
Tips for prospective students
Be serious about what you want to be in the Arts. You may want to consider (when thinking about major/minors) if this will get you an actual job or not. None of us want to be (for example) freelancing and tragically earn low income from our work, only to resort to commercial jobs we don't like in the future. Talk to the counselor about your desired major and your plans for the future. It'll all be worth it. Also, work fast! Kendall is easy going but you still need to keep up on assignments!
Great for these types of students
Artists (young and older), artists who desire guidance, dreamers, entrepreneurs of the Arts, art historians, preservers, fast workers, artists with a keen eye for detail, artists with a fresh style, artists who seek their own or want to pursue traditional styles

Breanna from Pontiac, MI

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This teachers make every class room a friendly place. The know you by name, which is unlikely to happen at other universities. The information they teach is challenging, but they give you many options to succeed including office hours and free tutoring centers and writing centers
Am enjoying being here
The school is located in a quiet friendly small town. This leaves you with less distractions from your school objectives. There are still plenty of fun things you can find. This school never has a dull moment.
Bang for the buck
Your money is well spent here. There are lots of free events on campus, lots of organizations and sports teams and even a great recreation and fitness center.
Tips for prospective students
The best way to know if a school is right for you is to visit the school and if possible spend the night there. Just because it is right for me doesn't make it right for you.
Great for these types of students
This school is best for students who like a quiet close and friendly environment. Who want the great education along with great teachers who learn you as a person.

Liane from Munising, MI

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
FSU offers great support for its students. My personal experience with the writing center has helped me maintain A's in my classes. My professors are always available for questions.
Am enjoying being here
FSU offers many extracurricular activities. Great town with friendly people.
Tips for prospective students
Utilize all the resources that Ferris has to offer. There are many free programs such as the writing center, tutoring, 24/7 library hours, etc.
Great for these types of students
Ferris State University offers many opportunities for any type of student.

Britany from Montague, MI

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You get a lot of professors who adore their subject matter. In my opinion, there is no better way to learn than from those who are passionate about what they teach.
Am enjoying being here
This campus in unlike many others in that it is so centered. You can find everything fairly easily and no walk is more than fifteen minutes. The atmosphere always edges on excitement and someone is constantly there if you need a smile.
Tips for prospective students
Visit before you decide between Ferris and another school. There is a certain charm to this place you can only find with your eyes. It's what sold me!
Great for these types of students
If you're looking for a place where you can actually find a relationship with your fellow students and your professors, a place to experience every season to its fullest, and where you never know what you're going to see next, come to Ferris State University.

Kevin from Hale, MI

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Clean, fun, and eventful campus.
Lots of RSO's to join to keep you busy!
Nice facilities!
Tips for prospective students
Live near where the majority of your classes will be. Get involved and stay involved! Have fun!
Academic Rigor
Not as scary as they make it seem but it does take work!
Dorm Life
Bare/boring dorms but you make them like home with decor!
Food and Dining
Brand new facility! Delicious!
What to do for fun
Sports games! Hockey team was number two in the NATION!
RSO's
The Muskegon River.
Outdoor activities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Big Event- one big day where we all go out into the community and volunteer our time!
Turn up the good- dubstep/electric/techno dj concert!!!
Ferris Fest- Outdoor concert! Free!
Many many more! Come find out for yourself!
Great for these types of students
Outdoors, smalls city life, adventure, sports lovers.
Clubs and Activities
Lots of good RSO's and club/intramural sports!
Campus Safety
I feel very safe! You can't go for very long with out seeing campus police or public safety. They respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies!

Evangeline from Big Rapids, MI

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Ferris' curriculum is generally pretty straight forward. Right now I'm a Sophomore Health Care Systems Administration major and though I changed my major last semester I'm still finding that the general education classes I had to take are pretty helpful even if they aren't geared towards health care professionals.
Am enjoying being here
I love Ferris. Though at first I was a little skeptical because of the size and location I've grown really attached to Ferris. It might not be University of Michigan size or have the more urban location of Western Michigan but I love it. It's got a very small town feeling. The professors are generally nice and understanding, the other faculty members know what they're doing (when you call with a question they don't connect you to several other offices, they answer your questions and if they don't know the answer they'll find it out for you) and there are plenty of student organizations to get involved with. Last year I was involved with Habitat for Humanity and this year I'm going an organization for future health care administrators and am an executive board member of the Up 'til Dawn organization (an organization that raises money for St. Jude's Pediatric Hospital). Whether you want to be involved or just focus on your studies Ferris really is great for either. Also they have community events like the Big Event, which is a school-wide community service event or Ferris Fest, a big concert at the end of the year. This spring at Ferris Fest Sean Kingston was our headliner!
Bang for the buck
For a public, four-year university Ferris is definitely cost effective. They have all-you-can-eat meal plans and you just have to decide if you just want to be fed on the weekdays (perfect for students who live in the area and go home ever weekend) or 7 days a week. The financial aid is pretty extensive too and they help you apply for scholarships too!
Tips for prospective students
First of all realize that not all professors are the same. If you decide to go to Ferris or any other school just remember that some professors have different teaching styles. For example, Professor Jones might be a lecture-only professor and Professor Smith might be a read on your own kind of a professor. If notes and sitting through lectures are your strong points Professor Jones might be the way to go. If you don't have strong reading skills you might want to opt out of taking Professor Smith, ect. Also make sure to pick a residence hall that isn't too far away from your classes. If you're taking only classes at the business building and you're a business management major than a residence hall by the business building might be a good idea for you.
Great for these types of students
It's great for self-motivated people and people who need a little push in the right direction. It's best for people who want to get involved but involvement isn't mandatory. Pretty much any type of student will benefit from attending. Oh just be careful if you're coming in from a urban area because the small town atmosphere might give you culture shock.

Quintin from Cement City, MI

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Ferris State University has been teaching students every semester for over 100 years. Over this time they have a lot of practice in teaching and improving their curriculum. It shows every day when I step into that class room and come out of it with more knowledge then I had before I went in.
Am enjoying being here
Ferris State offers many different registered student organizations. So no matter what your interest are there is bound to be one that fits your liking.
Bang for the buck
Ferris State has very reasonable cost of attending. It is not as cheap as most community colleges but at the same time is one of the least expensive universities around Michigan.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking to attend Ferris State I highly recommend it. To me it was one of the best decisions of my life. At no point have i regretted making the decision and it only keeps getting better.
Great for these types of students
If you like being part of a friendly and welcoming environment then Ferris is the place for you. The people here are great! Also if you want to be able to say that you graduated in one of the most unrecognized, great universities in the country then come here.

Wendy from Big Rapids, MI

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Ferris State University is a great University to attend. The cost is quite expensive, but the education level is outstanding and most of the teachers are friendly and are always looking to help you succeed.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you know what degree you're interested in before going in. Maybe take your generics at a community college or online to save money.
Dorm Life
Dorm rooms are small, but if you're in the Honor's Dorm then you get a room to yourself, which isn't bad.
Food and Dining
The Rock is the best place to eat on campus, but FSU is downtown in Big Rapids and most of the restaurants are in walking distance.
What to do for fun
Work out at the Rec, go to the movies, there's always something to do on campus from campus events like Autumn Alive or going to a Division 2 game, or Division 1 Hockey game.
Bang for the buck
The cost of attending is expensive, but if you're in the program you know you're going to get a job in, the staff here is really good at what they do and are helping prepare you for the working world.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Going tubing down the Muskegon River!! Always a plus and a fun trip with friends.
Great for these types of students
Anyone
Clubs and Activities
There's always something to do, from Poker to Basketball.

Katherine from Newaygo, MI

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Ferris State University is a well organized college, full of helpful professors. I love it there and the food and dinning is also wonderful. This university has a friendly atmosphere.
Tips for prospective students
A tip for prospective students is to keep your mind open and go out and meet new people.
Academic Rigor
It takes hard work, but Flite is a wonderful place to get homework done and there is always people willing to help with your studies. There are also programs such as SLA that are offered to the students for extra help.
Dorm Life
Although it is small, it is a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is always things going on in the dorms. You meet a lot of new people.
Food and Dining
The Rock and Westview have a variety of different foods, and selections. There is never a reason to go hungry, and the atmosphere is inviting and welcoming.
What to do for fun
Thee are so many things to do for fun at Ferris. Sporting events are just an option, there are many activities that go on at the student Rec Center, such as club and sports. The college also puts on activities such as Ferris Fest.
Bang for the buck
Personally, I love Ferris and all it has to offer. It is definitely worth the money spent for the experience provided.
Great for these types of students
There are many options for students on campus when picking a career. Ferris has a great medical, pharmacy and criminal justice program.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is very important. Ferris has poles all around the campus for emergency calls, and at night there are people on parole to help out as well.

Autumn from Coopersville, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a great school if you are looking for outcomes. They get you places in your life. However, initiative is key, they aren't going to babysit you.
Tips for prospective students
The parking and roads are kind of confusing. I wouldn't bring your car the first year at least. Also, be aware that the doorms are co-ed. But, if you are in the honnors program, you get your own room.
Academic Rigor
I think it sort of depends on you and how much you try as well as what program you are going into. When I was there, there was a lot of seminars and stuff going on.
Dorm Life
I spent the night and loved it. The people where really fun and it was all open and friendly. Also the rooms are reasonably sized for 2 people.
Food and Dining
This is the best college ood I have ever had. The Rock is delicious, and the meal plans are unlimited.
What to do for fun
You can go rockclimbing, work out, hang out in the gym, or if you are willing to walk into town (only 10 to 15 min.) then you can also go rollerskatig, bowling, and who knows what else. You can also play cards or whatever in the lobby of the dorms.