CMU vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

CMU vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Bluffton University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Michigan University than Bluffton University ($17,575 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 2.7% lower than at Central Michigan University ($12,220 vs. $12,564).
• Bluffton University is 153.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $22,602 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.1% higher at Bluffton University than at Central Michigan University (about $22,602 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 141.4% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($31,481 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or Bluffton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluffton University and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 80 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming CMU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

CMU vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Bluffton University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluffton University and CMU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bluffton University and CMU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.