According to university officials, Ferris’ student population has increased by 162 students since the spring 2011 semester, making the current population 13,705 students.
Dean of Enrollment Services Kristen Salomonson explained that the majority of growth between the spring semesters is in online education, where that number of students has increased by 147, making a total of 789 students for spring 2012.
She added that the university reported a 44 percent increase in its international student population, which has grown by 80 students from the spring 2011 semester. As well as international students, FSU’s Hispanic population is up by 39 students.
Although tuition and student debt is rising, the university continues to report positive enrollment increase. In order to continue to attract more students, the university is reaching out to be a top choice school for potential scholars.
“In terms of financial aid, we work with students to help them make a Ferris education as affordable as possible,” Salomonson said. “In these challenging economic times we strive to explore every option for students and their parents while providing quality service. We continue to highlight our excellent academic offerings with meaningful career opportunities.”
Salomonson also explained that Ferris takes pride in the idea that it is very different from other universities. One way, she added, is that Ferris has a very unique educational focus.
“We have a variety of academic offerings that lead to tangible career opportunities. Ferris is also a very accessible, caring university,” she said. “With our small class sizes and just-right sized campus, students can forge strong relationships with faculty and staff. This collegial atmosphere, both in and out of the classroom, helps foster student success.”
As far as student credit hours, Ferris reported an increase of 1,657, making a total of 155,866 credit hours. The Big Rapids campus represented two-thirds of that increase with 989 credit hours, while online education represented the other third with 647 credit hours.
The largest credit hour increases took place in the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Education and Human Services.
With the growing numbers in student enrollment, the offices on campus are making many efforts to accommodate students and their families.
“We focus on communicating effectively with all students and their parents. Our staff handles questions via phone, web, walk-in visits and email. We are currently working on a financial aid Facebook page to serve our students in yet another way,” Salomonson said. “Our staff works diligently to stay current with new regulations, trends, and programs that may impact students.” n