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Business Administration at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Certificate · Business Administration, Management and Operations

With 81% of applicants admitted, Ferris State University prioritizes broad access, serving 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

At $54,060 per year, Business Administration graduates from Ferris State University significantly outpace the $35,542 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 59.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Business Administration carry above-average AI exposure (47% of tasks). The 34% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

The median debt load of $18,325 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ferris State University ranks #55 among 455 Business Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 45% earnings increase from $54,060 to $78,554 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 28 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business Administration reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

82 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
74
Low End
82
Score
85
High End
Earnings $54,060/yr (52% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$853K
9.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
62.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
42 of 42
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$13,630
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,325
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,554
45% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business Administration graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chief executives $206,420 +4.3% 44%
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Chief executives
$206,420
+4.3% growth 44% AI-proof
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 42 career paths with full salary data →

Business Administration Career Guide

Explore what Business Administration graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 455 programs nationwide.

Read the full Business Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration Overview

View all 455 schools offering Business Administration →

Business Administration at Other Schools

University of Georgia ($77,610) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($74,402) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($74,402) Purdue University-Main Campus ($71,977) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($66,278) Northcentral Technical College ($60,405) William Rainey Harper College ($59,982) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($58,087)

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Precision Metalworking ($68,852) Vehicle Repair Technology ($68,791) Health Administration ($68,630) Quality Control & Safety Technology ($67,753) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($62,282) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($56,819) Precision Metalworking ($56,811) Heavy Equipment Technology ($55,532)

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Compare Business Administration degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 82/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Business Administration at Ferris State University?
At 82/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Administration at Ferris State University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Ferris State University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Why does Ferris State University rank so high for Business Administration?
Ranked #55 of 455 programs nationally, Ferris State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Business Administration program at Ferris State University?
If Ferris State University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 28 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Business Administration. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Business Administration from Ferris State University?
The career paths mapped to Business Administration have roughly 1,753,300 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →