CMU vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

CMU vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University than CMU ($12,339 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 8.8% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,459 vs. $12,564).
• Lake Superior State University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $130 more per year; $14,890.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Lake Superior State University than at Central Michigan University (about $130 more per year; $14,890.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at Lake Superior State University (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 12.2% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($14,632 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 30 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

CMU vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.