Concordia University Chicago vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Concordia University Chicago based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 4,770 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago or CMU? 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 Concordia University Chicago ($17,575 vs. $19,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 8.4% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,510 vs. $12,564).
• Concordia University Chicago is 154% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $22,728 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 154% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Central Michigan University (about $22,728 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Concordia University Chicago than at Central Michigan University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 102.1% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($26,361 vs. $13,042).

Concordia University Chicago vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or CMU? 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 CMU and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Concordia University Chicago (1090) is 10 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Concordia University Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Concordia University Chicago vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and CMU? 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).

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Concordia University Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have a $2,049 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($24,951 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Concordia University Chicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.