Ferris State University’s enrollment rate has declined compared to last year.
According to Ferris State’s website, 9,959 undergraduate students were enrolled in the fall of the 2024 semester, 9,877 students enrolled for the fall 2025 semester, a 882 decrease in headcount. The lowest in nearly five years.
The last decrease of this scale was 804 students during the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
Students feel that alternatives like trade schools are a reason why students are not returning to campus.
Dental hygiene sophomore Rihanna Mackey talked about how avenues that require less time and financial stress seem to be more optimal for those searching for a career.
“There are quite a few jobs now that require less schooling,” Mackey said. “I think that offering more scholarships and financial aid could bring students back. The high cost is what I think drives people away.”
Mackey further explained that many jobs offer the same level of pay as those that require a college education.
With the economy on the decline, skipping college and going straight into trade school could save them a few bucks.
Other students feel that the lack of activities and campus events could be a reason.
Mathematics education junior Grace Westonfeld described how, compared to other places, there just isn’t a lot going on.
“There’s not a ton to do in Big Rapids,” Westonfeld said. “I would say sometimes, especially on days like today, there aren’t a lot of people around.”
Westonfeld explained that the area lacks options for students seeking a “city lifestyle.”
With students wanting to branch off and really have that “college experience,” that can be difficult in a smaller town.
Finances may also put students in a rough spot, while some endure the pressures of supporting themselves through school.
“I do pay for some of it myself, and my parents help out,” Westonfeld said. “But I don’t want to put that stress on them. The only reason I went to college was because I was able to get scholarships and financial aid.”
Automotive professor Jeremy Sam has noticed faculty dropping in numbers as well, with certain departments faring worse than others.
“I feel like the auto service has probably been hit the hardest, which leaves holes in the auto service field,” Sam said. “Part of the reason we have lower enrollment is that in the fleet industry, they do an hourly wage, which is less stressful compared to earning a flat rate.”
Sam considered that salary and pay could be contributing factors, as earning a flat rate can require a person in the industry to work extensively to make ends meet.
Sam finds that many students change their major and that there aren’t many graduating from the program.
He explained that students come into the auto service program and, for some reason, lack the motivation to continue the program.
Students have either moved on to the engineering degree or the management degree.
Automotive professor Patrick English weighed in on the program’s funding.
“We’re spending the same amount of money we had before COVID, and in many cases it doesn’t even go half as far,” English said. “Everything is more expensive and the value of money isn’t the same as it once was. Part of that also has to do with the university doesn’t really promote our program.”
English explains the challenges the department is facing regarding the hiring process. He also added how low salaries influence how certain jobs are offered to applicants.
“The salaries that we’re able to offer are monetarily low,” English said. “You have to let the candidate know the benefits of the job beyond money and in today’s world, a lot of people can make so much more money in the education side of things.”
Factors including financial aid, salaries and student life shy students away from coming back.
At the heart of this issue, the university’s moral and momentum remain strong. As Ferris continues to recover from enrollment decline, the university is finding new ways to support students both academically and financially.