About Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University builds teachers, business leaders, and health professionals who go on to shape communities across the state. The university enrolls 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, a classic college town that revolves around campus life. Notable graduates include actor Jeff Daniels and former NFL quarterback Dan LeFevour, reflecting the school's blend of liberal arts strength and athletic tradition. CMU accepts 79% of applicants, making it accessible to students with solid high school records.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. Students pay an average net price of $16,041 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying just $12,672. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,874 ten years after leaving school, while typical student debt sits at $27,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio suggests most graduates can manage their loans comfortably. Monthly loan payments average $286, which remains manageable given graduate earning potential.
Women make up 61% of the student body, and nearly 91% of students come from Michigan. The Chippewas compete in Division I athletics across 15 sports, giving the campus a spirited game-day atmosphere. With a 62% graduation rate and 97% employment rate, CMU delivers solid outcomes for students who complete their degrees.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. Students pay an average net price of $16,041 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying just $12,672. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,874 ten years after leaving school, while typical student debt sits at $27,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio suggests most graduates can manage their loans comfortably. Monthly loan payments average $286, which remains manageable given graduate earning potential.
Women make up 61% of the student body, and nearly 91% of students come from Michigan. The Chippewas compete in Division I athletics across 15 sports, giving the campus a spirited game-day atmosphere. With a 62% graduation rate and 97% employment rate, CMU delivers solid outcomes for students who complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Central Michigan University operates as a public research university with particularly strong reputations in education, business, and health professions. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 61.8% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused to finish their degrees. CMU's education program has trained teachers throughout Michigan for over a century, making it a pipeline for the state's schools. The business college draws students interested in practical, career-focused training. Health profession programs, including nursing and physical therapy, benefit from the university's research facilities and clinical partnerships. Students here get hands-on experience that translates directly to Michigan's job market.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.8%
- Retention Rate
- 73.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,874
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $113,135 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $76,460 |
| International Business. | Master | $76,460 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,367 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,200 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $74,200 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,875 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $68,499 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $68,219 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,105 |
Campus Life
Mount Pleasant sits 70 miles north of Grand Rapids in Michigan's heartland, where winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from November through March. About 47% of Central Michigan's 9,916 students live in residence halls, creating a college town atmosphere where students outnumber year-round residents. The 854-acre campus centers around the Bovee University Center, which serves as the social center for weekend activities.
Football Saturdays transform the campus when the Chippewas play at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Students pack the stands wearing maroon and gold, continuing a tradition that dates back to the university's 1892 founding. The rivalry with Western Michigan brings extra energy to campus each fall. Greek life involves about 10% of students, while intramural sports and the Student Activity Center draw larger crowds. Downtown Mount Pleasant offers typical college town amenities within walking distance. Many students head home on weekends since 91% come from Michigan, but those who stay find plenty happening through the 300+ student organizations and regular programming at the UC.
Football Saturdays transform the campus when the Chippewas play at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Students pack the stands wearing maroon and gold, continuing a tradition that dates back to the university's 1892 founding. The rivalry with Western Michigan brings extra energy to campus each fall. Greek life involves about 10% of students, while intramural sports and the Student Activity Center draw larger crowds. Downtown Mount Pleasant offers typical college town amenities within walking distance. Many students head home on weekends since 91% come from Michigan, but those who stay find plenty happening through the 300+ student organizations and regular programming at the UC.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 4,640 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1892
Campus Safety (2023)
59 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 12 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–29°F
- July Avg
- 60°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 39.3"
Student Demographics
Central Michigan draws primarily Michigan residents, with 91% coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong reputation across the state, particularly for education and business programs that feed directly into Michigan's workforce. Women make up 61% of students, largely due to CMU's well-known education school and health profession programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking practical career preparation. The student body is predominantly white at 76%, typical for a regional public university in central Michigan.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 76.5%
- Black
- 8.4%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 90.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.6%
Location
Central Michigan University sits in Mount Pleasant, a classic college town about 65 miles north of Grand Rapids in central Michigan's lower peninsula. The campus serves 9,916 students in a community where the university dominates the local economy and culture. Mount Pleasant embodies the quintessential Midwest college experience with tree-lined streets, local diners, and businesses that cater to students year-round. The surrounding region features farmland, small towns, and outdoor recreation opportunities typical of Michigan's heartland. With 90.90% of students coming from in-state, CMU draws heavily from Michigan's smaller communities and suburban areas. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Central Michigan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,874
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,741
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Central Michigan University?
Central Michigan University accepts 79% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1220 on the SAT, with an average of 1100.
How much does Central Michigan University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,041 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,672 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost.
What are Central Michigan University's strongest academic programs?
CMU is particularly known for its education, business, and health professions programs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across 9,916 students, the university maintains its reputation as a practical, career-focused institution.
What percentage of Central Michigan University students graduate within six years?
About 62% of students graduate within six years, and the same percentage finish in four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,874 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's emphasis on practical career preparation.
Where is Central Michigan University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Mount Pleasant, a classic college town that revolves around the campus. With housing for 4,640 students and 15 Division I sports teams competing in the Mid-American Conference, campus life centers around school spirit and Chippewas athletics.
Does Central Michigan University charge different tuition for in-state and out-of-state students?
Unusually for a public university, CMU charges the same $14,190 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. This makes it an attractive option for students from neighboring states, though 91% of students still come from Michigan.
