CMU vs. Kettering University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Kettering University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,466 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CMU vs. Kettering University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Kettering 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 Kettering University ($17,575 vs. $35,609).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kettering University are 17.2% lower than at Central Michigan University ($10,400 vs. $12,564).
• Kettering University is 228.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $33,710 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 228.4% higher at Kettering University than at Central Michigan University (about $33,710 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kettering University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kettering University students is 96.6% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($25,641 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Kettering University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kettering University (1250) is 170 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming Kettering University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at CMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Kettering University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Kettering University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Kettering University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Kettering University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Kettering University (78.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 15.5% at Kettering University.

CMU vs. Kettering University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Kettering 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).

• Kettering University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Kettering University earn a median of about $31,500 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kettering University graduates have a $601 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($26,399 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kettering University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($272 vs. $279).
• More Kettering University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.