CMU vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

CMU vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University than CMU ($14,735 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 15.7% lower than at Central Michigan University ($10,596 vs. $12,564).
• Central Michigan University is 44.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $4,515 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.1% higher at CMU than at Saint Cloud State University (about $4,515 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at Saint Cloud State University (94% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 85.4% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($13,042 vs. $7,036).

CMU vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 60 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

CMU vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More St. Cloud State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.