Woodbridge Nathan Ferris (1853-1928) was an educator, humanitarian and a statesman. Founded in 1884, Ferris State University is a non-profit public state higher-education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Big Rapids (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Michigan. Ferris State University is a higher education institution located in Mecosta County, MI. Its 600-acre campus is located in Big Rapids, 50 miles from Grand Rapids. He was educated at Spencer Academy and Oswegeo Free Academy in New York and attended the University of Michigan. In 2016, the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at Ferris State University were Criminal Justice - Police Science (303 degrees awarded), General Business Administration & Management (218 degrees), and Registered Nursing (210 degrees). Programs are offered through the Michigan College of Optometry and the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Pharmacy and Technology. Ferris State, founded in 1884, is a public university of career-oriented education. Description. Founded in 1884, Ferris State University is headquartered in Big Rapids, Michigan. Ferris State University’s 2021 recruiting class is the best in Division 2. BIG RAPIDS, MI – A new social justice degree program at Ferris State University will allow students to learn about the causes and consequences of social injustice and inequality starting next fall. Ferris University (フェリス女学院大学, Ferisu Jogakuin Daigaku, "Ferris Women's University") is a private women's college in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.It is a part of Ferris Jogakuin (学校法人フェリス女学院).. Woodbridge Nathan Ferris (1853-1928) was an educator, humanitarian and a statesman. In 1884, Woodbridge Ferris founded the Big Rapids Industrial School which later became Ferris State University. Ferris State University is dedicated to providing unique programs, practical experience, and community engagement. Founded in 1884 at Big Rapids, Michigan, Ferris State University offers professional and technical programs with a variety of opportunities connecting theories with practice.Today, Ferris is the ninth-largest university in the state with 14,560 students studying on its main campus, at one of the 19 off-campus locations across the state,or online. Founded in 1884 on the concept of providing students with marketable skills, Ferris was established by Woodbridge N. Ferris (1853-1928), a distinguished Michigan educator and politician who served two terms as the state's governor and was elected a United States Senator. In 1884, Woodbridge Ferris founded the Big Rapids Industrial School which later became Ferris State University. Founded in 1884 and located on the west side of Michigan, Ferris State University has a vibrant, safe and friendly campus. He was educated at Spencer Academy and Oswegeo Free Academy in New York and attended the University of Michigan. Affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities make a Ferris degree a valuable investment.