CMU vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Michigan University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

CMU vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University ($17,575 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 0.7% lower than at Central Michigan University ($12,470 vs. $12,564).
• Wheeling University is 102.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $15,115 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.4% higher at Wheeling University than at Central Michigan University (about $15,115 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Central Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 68.2% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($21,931 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 10 points higher than at Wheeling University (1070).
• Incoming CMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

CMU vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheeling University and CMU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Wheeling University and CMU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.