CMU vs. LRC

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than LRC based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 2,153 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CMU vs. LRC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or LRC? 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 LRC ($17,575 vs. $24,108).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 6.2% lower than at La Roche University ($12,564 vs. $13,390).
• La Roche University is 130.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $19,292 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.7% higher at LRC than at Central Michigan University (about $19,292 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at La Roche University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Roche University students is 77% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($23,083 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. LRC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or LRC? 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 LRC and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 10 points higher than at LRC (1070).
• Incoming CMU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; La Roche University 940/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; La Roche University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; LRC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at LRC (3.2).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than LRC (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 9.8% at LRC.

CMU vs. LRC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and LRC? 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 La Roche University's (51%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $200 more per year than LRC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, La Roche University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, LRC graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More LRC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.