CMU vs. Alfred State College

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in Alfred, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Alfred State College based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 3,781 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is in Alfred, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 16:1.

CMU vs. Alfred State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Alfred State College? 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 SUNY College of Technology at Alfred than CMU ($15,283 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 14.1% lower than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred ($12,564 vs. $14,624).
• Central Michigan University is 66% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alfred State College (about $5,868 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $8,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Alfred State College than at Central Michigan University (about $2,077 more per year; $16,837.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred than at Central Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 30.9% larger than aid received by SUNY College of Technology at Alfred students ($13,042 vs. $9,966).

CMU vs. Alfred State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or Alfred State College? 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 Alfred State College and CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (1100) is 20 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Alfred State College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 990/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Alfred State College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Alfred State College (3.1).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Alfred State College (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 16% at Alfred State College.

CMU vs. Alfred State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Alfred State College? 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).

• SUNY College of Technology at Alfred's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Alfred State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates have a $12,126 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($14,874 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Alfred State College graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($153 vs. $279).
• More Alfred State College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.