CMU vs. Point Park University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Point Park University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 3,448 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Point Park University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Point Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Point Park University 12:1.

CMU vs. Point Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Point Park 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 Central Michigan University than Point Park University ($17,575 vs. $26,502).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 10% lower than at Point Park University ($12,564 vs. $13,960).
• Point Park University is 168.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $24,810 more per year; $39,570.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 168.1% higher at Point Park University than at Central Michigan University (about $24,810 more per year; $39,570.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Park University than at Central Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Point Park University students is 100.6% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($26,159 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Point Park University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Park University (1140) is 60 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Point Park University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Point Park University 1035/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Point Park University 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Point Park University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have the same average high school GPA (3.47) as students at Point Park University (3.47).
• Point Park University has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 10.2% at Point Park University.

CMU vs. Point Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Point Park 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 Point Park University's (50%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Point Park University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Park University and CMU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Point Park University and CMU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Point Park University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 53%)

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.