Campus Living: Ferris State University's On-Campus Student Population

Ferris State University is a public university with its main campus in Big Rapids, Michigan. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities to its students. In terms of housing, 53% of the students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 17% live off-campus. While the exact number of students living on campus is not specified, we can estimate it based on the total enrollment and the percentage of students living on and off-campus. As of fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,940 students. Assuming a similar distribution for graduate students, we can estimate that approximately 53% of the total enrollment lives on campus. This would put the number of students living on campus at Ferris State University at around 4,747 for fall 2023.

On-campus housing is available for all unmarried students

Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, offers on-campus housing for all unmarried students, regardless of the year they are in. The university requires students to live on campus unless they meet certain criteria, such as being 19 years old before September 1 or having already lived in a Ferris State residence hall for two full academic semesters.

The university's West Campus Apartments provide housing options for unmarried students and students with families. These apartments are within walking distance of academic buildings and offer all-inclusive pricing for financial stability. Available options include two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, with residents having private bedrooms and shared main living areas. The apartments are unfurnished, and rent is charged per bedroom.

The campus features smoke-free halls with amenities like internet access, laundry facilities, kitchens or kitchenettes, and a positive social atmosphere. Students can also benefit from the Yada assessment, which helps them discover their personal roadmap and find their ideal housing fit.

Ferris State University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,940 in Fall 2023, with 53% of students living in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. The campus size is approximately 789 acres, offering a rural setting for its students.

53% of students live in college-owned housing

Ferris State University (FSU) is a public university in Big Rapids, Michigan, with a satellite campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The university has experienced fluctuations in its student enrollment numbers over the years, with a total enrollment of 10,072 students in 2022 and an increase to 9,959 students in Fall 2024.

Housing-wise, 53% of FSU students live in college-owned housing. This is a notable aspect of student life at the university and contributes to the vibrant campus community. The availability of on-campus housing options encourages a sense of belonging and facilitates the formation of close connections between students.

FSU offers various housing options to accommodate the needs of its diverse student body. These options include apartments for single students, married students, disabled students, and other special housing requirements. The university prioritizes creating a comfortable and inclusive living environment for its residents.

The benefits of living on campus at FSU extend beyond convenience. With a focus on student success, the university ensures that residence halls are more than just places to sleep and study. Specialized residence halls, such as those for Honors students, provide enhanced academic support and a close-knit community. Single rooms are typically assigned to Honors students, allowing them to focus on their studies while still being part of the vibrant campus life.

In addition to academic pursuits, FSU recognizes the importance of extracurricular involvement and a well-rounded student experience. Living on campus provides easy access to over 200 campus clubs and organizations, as well as Greek-letter organizations. Students can readily participate in events organized by the Entertainment Unlimited campus programming board, such as the annual Ferris Fest music festival, comedy shows, film screenings, and lectures. This rich array of opportunities fosters a sense of community and engagement, enhancing the overall college experience for those living in college-owned housing.

Furthermore, FSU's athletic programs play a significant role in campus life, with 56% of students indicating that varsity sports are a prominent aspect of their campus experience. The Ferris State Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division I for hockey and Division II for all other sports. On-campus housing places students at the heart of this excitement, allowing them to show their school spirit and support their fellow Bulldogs.

In conclusion, with 53% of students choosing to live in college-owned housing, Ferris State University cultivates a dynamic and engaging campus environment. On-campus living at FSU offers not just convenience but also a sense of community, easy access to academic and extracurricular opportunities, and a front-row seat to the university's vibrant athletic programs. This contributes to a well-rounded and memorable college experience for its residents.

17% of students live off campus

Ferris State University (FSU) is a public university with its main campus in Big Rapids, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1884 and became a public institution in 1950. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,940 (fall 2023), with a gender distribution of 47.4% male students and 52.6% female students.

When it comes to housing, 53% of FSU students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 17% of students live off campus. This means that a significant proportion of the student body chooses to live and commute from outside the provided accommodation options.

Living off campus can offer students a different university experience compared to living on campus. It can provide more independence and a chance to explore life outside the university bubble. Students who live off campus may have chosen to do so for various reasons, such as wanting a different living environment, seeking more affordable options, or having specific needs that on-campus housing may not accommodate.

Off-campus living can also contribute to a diverse and vibrant campus community. Students who live off campus may still engage in campus activities, clubs, and organizations, adding to the richness of the student body. They may also have different perspectives and experiences to share with their peers, enhancing the overall university experience for everyone.

FSU offers a range of housing options for its students, including apartments for single and married students, special housing for disabled students, and other housing options. The university's campus is within walking distance of downtown Big Rapids, providing off-campus students with easy access to restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

Campus housing is 96% occupied

Ferris State University's campus housing is 96% occupied as of 2024. This is a positive sign for the university, indicating that the majority of students choose to live on campus and take advantage of the housing options available. The high occupancy rate also suggests that the university is meeting the needs and expectations of its students when it comes to on-campus living.

The university offers a variety of housing options, including apartments for single and married students, special housing for disabled students, and other housing options. The demand for on-campus housing is likely influenced by the sense of community and convenience that comes with living close to classes, amenities, and other students.

Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, has a long history dating back to its founding in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School. Over time, it has grown and evolved, becoming a public institution in 1950. Today, the university offers a wide range of academic programs and boasts a diverse student body.

The university's fall 2024 enrollment numbers showed an encouraging increase for the first time since 2015, with a total of 9,959 students. This includes 1,689 first-year students, reflecting a 5.2% increase, and 720 transfer students. The university's vice president for Student Affairs, Jeanine Ward-Roof, attributed this growth to the university's small class sizes and hands-on experiential learning approach.

With a high campus housing occupancy rate, Ferris State University is meeting the needs of its growing student population. The university's focus on providing a well-rounded and transformative education, along with its commitment to student success, is evident in its efforts to continuously improve and expand its facilities, programs, and support services.

The university's plans for an innovative residence hall attached to Top Taggart Field further demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the on-campus living experience for its students. This new residence hall will not only provide additional housing options but will also contribute to the vibrant and welcoming campus community that Ferris State University strives to foster.

There are plans for an innovative residence hall attached to Top Taggart Field

Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, has announced plans to build a new residence hall attached to the north end of the football stadium, Top Taggart Field. The project, which is estimated to cost $38 million, will be the first new residence hall on campus since North Hall opened in 2017. The new building will be a state-of-the-art facility with modern conveniences and is expected to open in August 2026.

The residence hall will have approximately 300 beds across four stories, with many rooms offering an up-close view of the football field. The front portion of the hall will face the football field, and the first floor will include community spaces that open out to the stadium. This innovative design will allow students to watch football games from the comfort of their dorm rooms.

Ferris State President Bill Pink stated that the new residence hall is part of an effort to update and improve student living spaces on campus. He highlighted the convenience of the location, being close to the Student Recreation Center, dining halls, health center, and the Center for Virtual Learning. The residence hall will also be attached to an entertainment complex that will host events throughout the year, providing an unmatched student experience.

The university plans to cover the construction costs by issuing bonds, with groundbreaking expected to take place in early 2025. This project is the first in a planned series of upgrades and replacements to campus living spaces and athletic facilities. The new residence hall is designed by the architectural and engineering firm INTEGRATED design SOLUTIONS, which has worked on notable projects at other Michigan universities.

Frequently asked questions