Business Administration at Ferris State University
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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
About Business Administration Careers
Your career will likely begin on the front lines as a supervisor, where your day revolves around people. You’ll be creating work schedules, training new hires on office procedures, approving timesheets, and serving as the go-to person for your team’s daily questions. With experience, you can advance into an operations manager role. Here, your focus shifts to the bigger picture: analyzing performance data in spreadsheets to find efficiencies, managing departmental budgets, and solving logistical puzzles to keep the entire business running smoothly.
Compare & Explore
Business Administration Overview
Business Administration at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ferris State University
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.