CMU vs. Niagara University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Niagara University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 4,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Niagara University is in Niagara University, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Niagara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Niagara University 10:1.

CMU vs. Niagara University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Niagara 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 Niagara University than CMU ($16,613 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 6.2% lower than at Niagara University ($12,564 vs. $13,400).
• Niagara University is 166.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $24,585 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 166.6% higher at Niagara University than at Central Michigan University (about $24,585 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Niagara University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 157.4% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($33,575 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Niagara University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Niagara University (1150) is 70 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming Niagara University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at CMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Niagara University 1060/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Niagara University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Niagara University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Niagara University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Niagara University (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 14.5% at Niagara University.

CMU vs. Niagara University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Niagara 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).

• Niagara University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Niagara University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Niagara University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Niagara University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.