CMU vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Rochester University 13:1.

CMU vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($17,575 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 16.5% lower than at Central Michigan University ($10,486 vs. $12,564).
• Rochester University is 97.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $14,436 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.8% higher at Rochester University than at Central Michigan University (about $14,436 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 50.9% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($19,674 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 130 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming CMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

CMU vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Rochester 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 Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $2,597 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($24,403 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.