CMU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

CMU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than CMU ($14,693 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 5.3% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,904 vs. $12,564).
• Central Michigan University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $1,625 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41% higher at University of Akron than at Central Michigan University (about $6,055 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Central Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 12.9% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($13,042 vs. $11,551).

CMU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and CMU.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 30 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming CMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have the same average high school GPA (3.47) as students at University of Akron (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

CMU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Akron Main Campus graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Akron graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron 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.