CMU vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Capital University 9:1.

CMU vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Capital 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 Capital University ($17,575 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 3.2% lower than at Capital University ($12,564 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 192.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $28,474 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 192.9% higher at Capital University than at Central Michigan University (about $28,474 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Central Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 164.3% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($34,471 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or Capital 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 Capital University and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 30 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming CMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

CMU vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Capital University and CMU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Capital University and CMU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.