CMU vs. Michigan

Comparable Facts

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

University of Michigan Ann Arbor is larger than CMU based on total student enrollment (52,855 students vs. 14,488 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); University of Michigan Ann Arbor is in Ann Arbor, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 11:1.

CMU vs. Michigan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Michigan? 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 Michigan Ann Arbor than CMU ($17,574 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 18% lower than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor ($12,564 vs. $15,328).
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is 20.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $2,976 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 312.9% higher at Michigan than at Central Michigan University (about $46,186 more per year; $60,946.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (94% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Michigan Ann Arbor students is 92.4% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($25,099 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Michigan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1450) is 370 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming Michigan students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 24 at CMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 1360/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Michigan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Michigan Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Michigan (15.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 47.3% at Michigan.

CMU vs. Michigan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Michigan? 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).

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of about $29,900 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,400 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates have a $6,897 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($20,103 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($207 vs. $279).
• More Michigan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.