Ferris State University is raising the amount of money available for some merit-based scholarships because they understand how unhappy families are with delays in federal financial aid and want to make it easier for potential students to choose Ferris State.
The scholarships range in value from $500 to $1,500, with an additional $1,000 grant available to students who qualify. The grants are available to students who have already applied and been accepted, as well as those who have yet to apply for the fall 2024 semester.
“Students and families are frustrated, and many are undecided about which university to attend,” said Kristen Salmonson, Ferris State’s dean of enrollment services. “We are proud of the transformative education that Ferris State provides. We feel that these students are intended to be bulldogs. We are expanding the funds accessible to students right now to help them make the right decision and choose Ferris State.”
The increases apply to Woodbridge N. Ferris Scholarships for new students and are based on academic performance. Students with $6,000 President’s Scholarships and $5,000 Provost’s Scholarships will receive a $500 raise. Students who get a $3,500 Dean’s Scholarship will see a $1,000 boost. Those who receive a $1,500 Crimson Scholarship will notice a $1,500 boost.
The financial amount for a $1,000 Woodbridge N. Ferris Forward Scholarship will remain the same, but it will be offered to more students. Students with a 2.25 high school grade point average are eligible, up from the previous 2.50 standard.
“We are investing in the future of our students, but also in the future of our community and state,” Salmonson said in a statement. “We know that 92 percent of Ferris State students stay in Michigan and apply the talents and education they receive. “That makes us all stronger.”
Salmonson stated that other financial aid options, such as the Ferris Pledge and federal Pell Grants, could reduce the cost of tuition.
She stated that Ferris State authorities are still waiting for long-delayed government financial information and can assist students with inquiries regarding the Free Application for Government Student Aid, or FAFSA, as well as other ways to help them choose a college.
Students with questions may schedule a one-on-one appointment online, contact the Financial Aid Hotline at 231-591-2110, or send questions by email to [email protected]. Additional information about the scholarships is available at ferris.edu/wnf.
Students can explore other opportunities to lower costs. ScholarshipUniverse is available for new and continuing students that will be attending Ferris State in the 2024–2025 academic year. The program will help match eligible students with more than 500 donor-based, Ferris State-awarded scholarships, as well as more than 17,000 reputable external scholarship opportunities.
An admitted student open house is planned for March 16 on the Big Rapids campus. Future Bulldogs can explore life at Ferris State by meeting with current students, chatting with faculty from their major, getting an ID card, and more. Additional information is available on the event registration page.
Students can also sign up for Crimson and Gold Days, where they can meet a student in their chosen field, learn about campus, grab lunch, and even sit in on a class or two to see why Ferris State should be their choice. Students may sign up on our Crimson and Gold Days registration page.