The fall 2013 semester enrollment recorded a total of 14,707 students enrolled at Ferris, 10,159 of those students at the Big Rapids campus.
“Our fall 2013 enrollment demonstrates what an exciting time it is to be a part of Ferris State University,” dean of Enrollment Services Kristen Salomonson said in a press release. “Ferris is a place where students feel welcome and know they will receive a great education that leads them to a successful career.”
The College of Engineering Technology increased by 148 students to 2,063, the largest change among Ferris’ academic colleges.
“I think it’s great that [College of Engineering Technology] is growing. Ferris has a great program with great professors,” plastics sophomore Nate Ivenson said.
The College of Business boosted to a total of 2,777, a 77 person increase.
The College of Education and Human Services also had a slight increase of 39 students to 2,277. The College of Pharmacy enrollment was up by 26 students this fall.
However, the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Health Professions enrollment decreased by 189 and 124, respectively.
The number of Ferris FTIAC (first time in any college) students increased by 104 since fall 2012, a five percent growth. Out of state FTIAC students jumped from five percent to 13 percent this year.
However, the larger student population is not just being supplemented by incoming freshman. Ferris’ first-year retention rate for bachelor’s degree student is the highest it has been in school history.
The retention rate increased from 70 percent in fall 2012 to 77 percent in fall 2013 for full-time bachelor’s degree students. Overall, Ferris’ retention rate grew from 69 percent last year to 71 percent this year.
An increase of 120 on-campus students from the previous fall semester means some potential issues such as parking. Ferris marketing senior Courtney Meharg said she hasn’t noticed addition students this year.
“Parking has always been an issue. Parking spots seem just as scarce this year as they have been for the last five years,” Meharg said.
Also breaking records this fall was Ferris’ international student population. According to Donald Green, vice president for Extended and International Operations, currently campus is the most diverse it has ever been.
Green believes having international students allows domestic students to view other cultures.
“This is critical as we are preparing our students to work in a more diverse and globalized world that awaits them after they graduate,” Green said.