Central Michigan University
About Central Michigan University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Central Michigan University is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It offers more than 200 programs and is known for its education, health professions, and business programs. CMU also has a large online and off-campus enrollment.
Founded
1892
Location
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Students
14,330
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
89.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
58.7%
Below national average
Tuition
$14,760
Per year
Avg Net Price
$17,597
After financial aid
SAT Average
1091
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,874
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Rolling
Central Michigan University accepts the majority of applicants at 89.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1091/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
58.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.4%
4-Year Grad
34%
6-Year Grad
62%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.3%
$/Student
$8.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 34% graduation rate is below average, but 75.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,760
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,564
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,681
After Financial Aid
$17,597
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,185
Receive Grants
31.4%
Take Loans
68.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $30,681/yr, including $12,564 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $17,597.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Central Michigan University fund their education.
While in School
31.4%
Get Grants
Free money
68.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$57,838
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $56K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Central Michigan University.
Gender
61.6%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,035
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,295
Graduates
29.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
13.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 29.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
10,035
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Central Michigan University fields 13 varsity teams with 553 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mid-American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
553
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
42% / 58%
231
Men
322
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Central Michigan Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,874
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$31K
215 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$33K
189 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$54K
188 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$44K
181 grads
1yr Earnings
Community Organization and Advocacy
$49K
107 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
$35K
86 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $56K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Michigan University
What is the acceptance rate at Central Michigan University?▾
How much does Central Michigan University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Central Michigan University?▾
How much do Central Michigan University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.