Get Matched With Online Colleges
Central Michigan University is a large, public university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, which is almost exactly in the middle of the state, with Lake Huron to the East and Lake Michigan to the West. The university was founded in 1892 as a college for teachers. Today, CMU still centers around its liberal arts background along with more diverse degree offerings in STEM concentrations.
Search All Programs
Overview of Central Michigan University (CMU)
Of the 300 programs available at all degree levels, several are nationally acclaimed such as their programs in engineering, business and communication, science and technology, and professional health degrees. The university has even been honored with the two most prestigious research classifications from the Carnegie Commission. In addition to students receiving a top education, CMU works to ensure students graduate with preservation initiatives and a desire for innovation in all fields.
CMU is a large university with over 16,000 undergraduates and more than 5,000 graduate students. Another 8,000 students participate in one of the 30 alternative campuses across the US and Canada or participate as online students. At the main campus, around 20% of students take at least some courses online and there are more than 235,000 alumni worldwide. You might even be familiar with some notable alumni from years past including Jeff Daniels, Carter Oosterhouse, Dick Enberg, Terry O’Quinn, Tim Allen, and many others.
General Information
School Type | Public |
---|---|
Campus Setting | Town: Distant |
Campus Housing | Yes |
Student Faculty Ratio | 20:1 |
Graduation Rate | 61% |
Year Founded | 1892 |
Student Enrollment
Total Students21,622
16,387
5,235
Undergraduate Student
Male 6,883
Female 9,504
Graduate Student
Male 2,199
Female 3,036
Explore Map
Top Rankings For Central Michigan University
CMU Acceptance Rate and Admissions
APPLICATIONS16,411
ACCEPTANCE11,488
Acceptance Rate70%
Enrollment 2,527
Admissions | |
---|---|
Application Fee | $40 |
High School GPA | Required |
High School Rank | Required |
High School Transcripts | Required |
College Prep Courses | Required |
Recommendations | Recommended |
SAT/ACT | Required |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
Application Deadline | July 28 |
Common Application Accepted | No |
CMU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid
Central Michigan University is slightly more expensive than most liberal arts, public colleges and universities with a net price average of $15,266. Roughly 96% of students utilize available scholarships, grants, student loans, and other financial aid to help lower the financial burden of higher learning. At CMU, in-state students will be charged $12,960 annually for tuition and out-of-state students will be responsible for $24,120 each year.
Keep in mind that these tuition expenses do not cover books, rent, basic eating costs, supplies, or lab fees when applicable. Students should budget another $12,000 for such expenses. However, if a student has the desire to explore everything Michigan, neighboring states, and Canada has to offer, it is best to account for such additional expenses in an annual budget.
Average net price | 2018-2019 |
---|---|
Net Price | $15,266 |
Average Total Aid | $9,417 |
Students Receiving Financial Aid | 96% |
Room & Board | $10,328 |
Sticker Price
- Tuition In-State - $12,960
- Tuition Out-of-State - $24,120
- Books and Supplies - $1,000
- Room & Board - $10,328
- Other - $1,080
Academics
All students at CMU have access to hundreds of career opportunities through eight world-class academic colleges including College of the Arts and Media, College of Business Administration, College of Science and Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of Education and Human Services, and others. Within each college, students will develop essential skill sets to succeed regardless of one’s chosen career path such as critical thinking, analysis, communication, and research.
The university is also one of the most military-friendly schools in the country. Military students, and others, can take advantage of the flexibility CMU has to offer, such as online and hybrid learning opportunities. If a student is deployed, they can participate in condensed eight-week terms, as well as earn military transfer credits based on life and work experience gained during time in the service. A Veteran’s Resource Center is also available and CMU is home to over 5,200 active or veteran alumni with over 155 generals and admirals who have completed their degrees from a CMU program. Some of the 30 campuses across North America are even located on military bases.
While the retention rate is reasonable at 77%, the four-year graduation rate is less-than-desirable at 28%. The six-year graduation rate is somewhat more respectable at 61%; however, it is still a bit lower than most other public state schools. A few of the reasons for these low rates could be directly related to the number of students working while earning a degree and the high number of military members participating in programs. Many of them may transfer to a different program once they are out of the military and graduate from there.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 21,622
16,387
5,235
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
All Business Majors | 1,071 Total Graduates / 27% |
---|---|
Marketing/Marketing Management, General | 203 Graduates |
Accounting | 120 Graduates |
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other | 107 Graduates |
Business Administration and Management, General | 97 Graduates |
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs | 366 Total Graduates / 9% |
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other | 106 Graduates |
Public Relations/Image Management | 96 Graduates |
Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 74 Graduates |
Advertising | 60 Graduates |
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies | 339 Total Graduates / 9% |
Kinesiology and Exercise Science | 219 Graduates |
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management | 95 Graduates |
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | 21 Graduates |
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General | 3 Graduates |
Health Professions and Related Programs | 320 Total Graduates / 8% |
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General | 89 Graduates |
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy | 7 Graduates |
Health/Health Care Administration/Management | 61 Graduates |
Dietetics/Dietitian | 43 Graduates |
All Education Majors | 281 Total Graduates / 7% |
English/Language Arts Teacher Education | 58 Graduates |
Early Childhood Education and Teaching | 45 Graduates |
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Mental Retardation | 40 Graduates |
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education | 35 Graduates |
All Other Diplomas | 1560 |
Outcome & Salary
Graduates from CMU go on to accomplish great things in all areas of employment and professions including broadcasting, journalism, fashion designers, teachers, lawyers, policymakers, doctors, PAs, physical therapists, actors, professional athletes, and more. To help students achieve their goals and dreams, the university also offers a Career Development Center.
At the center, students can participate in mock interviews, career coaching, strategic decision-making, exploring career options, building a brand, and more. Internships and co-ops are widely available. Career ambassadors and career peers are available to assist with the job search and employment readiness processes and the university works to prepare students on signs to look for as to whether or not an employer is trustworthy and legitimate, as well as to bring reputable employers to the campus.
Graduates Salary | |
---|---|
College Grads Early Career Salary | $49,000 |
College Grads Average Salary | $65,121 |
College Grads Mid Career Salary | $85,700 |
Return on Investment (ROI) | |
---|---|
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $651,210 |
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $1,508,210 |
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year | $61,064 |
10 Year Projected ROI | $590,146 |
20 Year Projected ROI | $1,447,146 |
No College Education Salary Comparison | |
---|---|
National Average Salary | $38,792 |
10 Year Projected Income | $387,920 |
20 Year Projected Income | $775,840 |
Related Top College Resources