Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ferris State University

Ferris State's business program sits in an awkward middle ground—outperforming national averages but trailing other Michigan schools. While graduates earn $48,535 in their first year (above the $45,703 national median), they fall short of Michigan's $50,550 state median, ranking in just the 40th percentile among in-state options. This gap matters for Michigan families, as students could potentially access stronger programs at schools like Grand Valley State or Oakland University for similar debt levels.

The financial fundamentals are reasonable but not exceptional. With $25,384 in median debt and solid 17% earnings growth over four years, graduates face a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.52. However, the program's modest performance relative to Michigan peers raises questions about opportunity cost, especially given the state's competitive business education landscape.

For families considering this program, the key tradeoff is accessibility versus outcomes. Ferris State's 81% admission rate makes it attainable for students who might not qualify for Michigan's flagship programs. But if your child can gain admission to higher-ranked Michigan schools, the data suggests they'd likely see better career outcomes for similar debt. This program works best for students seeking a solid business foundation at a welcoming institution, rather than those aiming to maximize their earning potential.