Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.8%
- Retention Rate
- 73.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $55,874
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $113,135 | $113,288 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $76,460 | $106,174 |
| International Business. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,367 | $28,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,200 | $27,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $74,200 | $33,186 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,875 | $106,465 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $68,499 | $28,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $68,219 | $40,464 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,105 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,180 | $33,949 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $63,799 | $26,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $63,430 | $27,000 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. | Master | $61,516 | $16,080 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $59,045 | $20,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Central Michigan graduates typically enter Michigan's education, business, and healthcare sectors, leveraging the university's strong regional reputation. With median debt of $27,000 and 10-year earnings of $55,874, graduates face a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 48%. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 7.3% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 96.5% employment rate reflects CMU's practical approach to career preparation. Nearly 91% of students stay in-state, benefiting from extensive alumni networks across Michigan's industries. Strong connections with regional employers help explain the solid post-graduation outcomes. The combination of reasonable debt levels and steady earning potential creates a strong return on investment for most graduates.