CMU vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than NDSU based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 11,952 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

CMU vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than CMU ($15,596 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 21% lower than at Central Michigan University ($9,928 vs. $12,564).
• Central Michigan University is 32.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $3,650 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at NDSU than at Central Michigan University (about $1,004 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 103.5% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($13,042 vs. $6,409).

CMU vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or NDSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NDSU and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 10 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 22 at NDSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Central Michigan University 960/1200; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Central Michigan University 21/27; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman NDSU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at CMU (3.47).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 32% at NDSU.

CMU vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and NDSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• The graduation rate at CMU is the same as at North Dakota State University Main Campus (54% vs. 54%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $3,700 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($23,300 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.