St. Ambrose University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA 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 St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Ambrose University is located in Davenport, IA (Small City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Ambrose University 11:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

St. Ambrose University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($17,575 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 6.1% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($12,564 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 148.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $21,898 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.4% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Central Michigan University (about $21,898 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 98.4% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($25,877 vs. $13,042).

St. Ambrose University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 30 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 930/1170; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 20/25; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Ambrose University - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at St. Ambrose University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

St. Ambrose University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Ambrose University graduates have a $1,236 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($25,764 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Ambrose University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.