CMU vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Northern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 7,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

CMU vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University than CMU ($15,707 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 5.3% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($12,564 vs. $13,274).
• Central Michigan University is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $483 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34% higher at Northern Michigan University than at Central Michigan University (about $5,013 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University as at Northern Michigan University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 8.6% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($13,042 vs. $12,012).

CMU vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Northern Michigan University (84%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

CMU vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $4,708 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($22,292 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.