CMU vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Purdue Northwest based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 9,051 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

CMU vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue University Northwest than CMU ($7,916 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 29.1% lower than at Central Michigan University ($8,907 vs. $12,564).
• Central Michigan University is 70.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $6,085 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Purdue Northwest than at Central Michigan University (about $1,334 more per year; $16,094.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at Purdue University Northwest (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 86.5% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($13,042 vs. $6,992).

CMU vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue Northwest and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 60 points higher than at Purdue Northwest (1020).
• Incoming CMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Purdue Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Purdue Northwest (3.19).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Purdue Northwest (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

CMU vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Purdue Northwest? 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).

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.