Ferris State University Reviews of Doctorates in Pharmacy

"Ferris State University's college of pharmacy is a good but challenging program with a solid curriculum. Some changes are in the works to improve some of the rockier points, but those should be resolved relatively soon. While the college of pharmacy itself is a strong program within the university, FSU's upper administration often times has students scratching their heads wondering why anyone would think these decisions make sense. For instance, it doesn't take a business major to see that shutting down a dorm, leaving the building erect and unused, building a new dorm, despite a steady decline in enrollment, thereby increasing tuition, is not a way to interest more students to attend your institution. These students will see the increase in tuition and choose another in-state school, because they feel the effect of these students near a lake (if this isn't clear enough, you might as well just stick to Ferris anyway), who has had an increase in enrollment as of late. Sorry administrators but in a world where dollars matter, with this move, it really shouldn't have come as a surprise to you that enrollment continues to decline as you jack up tuition. Speaking of tuition, don't expect to actually be offered everything the FAFSA says you might expect in terms of aid. You'll get your Direct Unsubsidized loans but forget about the Direct Subsidized loans, which would help you not HAVE to work during school. But you won't get them so you'll have to work and then get grilled about your academic performance and be told you need to work less than the 35 hours a week you have to put into a job to even afford rent and bills. But oh, not to worry! You can always apply for Grad PLUS and private loans that you don't have enough credit for. Oh, and scholarships that are allegedly need based but only if your GPA is at particular minimum because you should have heeded their advice and chosen to live in a cardboard box under an overpass to focus on your classes more. FinAid isn't there to help you. They're there to make money for the university by offering only the highest rate loans with as little actual aid as possible. So, in summary, Pharmacy program is good and the sharp edges are being smoothed. The university as a whole needs administrators who actually understand that to improve enrollment rates, a fresh new dorm isn't going to suffice and increased tuition rates aren't going to impress perspective students let alone returning students (at least they would return if they could afford the tuition). Financial Aid is a cover for the university's money grabbing scams and won't help you if you're truly in need. Get ready to pay some of that grad school tuition out of pocket. Class variety and professors are pretty good though, for the most part. Go DAWGS.?"

"Very hard program but one of the best board pass rate of any school. Big Rapids is a small town though."

"I'm just entering the program, but have attended Ferris for 3 semesters now. Very good area and safe place to live aside a couple of incedents last semester. The undergraduate courses are challenging."

"Ferris State College of Pharmacy is a wonderful choice for students who want to practice pharmacy. The staff is very friendly and caring towards their students. The curriculum is tough, but Ferris State always scores very high on the NAPLEX exam (better than Michigan and Wayne State). There is not much to do in surrounding town."

"The pro's of the program are that the staff wants the students to succeed. They know that our dollars pay their salary and therefore they need to work equally hard to make sure all students in the PharmD program get the fullest out of their education. Cons are very seldom if any that I can think of. It is a very strong community and very strong program."

"Pros: Very personable atmosphere where you get the education that you desire. Professors have a strong desire for you to succeed. Cons: Small town prevents social enjoyment to be expanded. Some professors are less than adequate."