CMU vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Eastern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 12,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

CMU vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than CMU ($15,742 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 8% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($12,564 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 10% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $1,480 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at Eastern Michigan University than at Central Michigan University (about $1,480 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at Eastern Michigan University (94% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($13,370 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 30 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Eastern Michigan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

CMU vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Eastern Michigan 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.