North Park University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Park University in Chicago, 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 North Park University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Park University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Park University 12:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

North Park University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park University 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 North Park University ($17,575 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 11.7% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,090 vs. $12,564).
• North Park University is 148.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $21,950 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.7% higher at North Park University than at Central Michigan University (about $21,950 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 87.7% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($24,476 vs. $13,042).

North Park University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park University 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 50 points higher than at North Park University (1030).
• Incoming CMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at North Park University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 890/1162; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

North Park University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park University 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than North Park University's (52%).
• Graduates from North Park University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Park University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Park University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.