At $16,041/yr net price, Central Michigan University graduates earn $55,874/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,874/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,041 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,874/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,874/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,672/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,638/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,182/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,215/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,780/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
61.8% of students at Central Michigan University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Central Michigan gives you a solid but middling financial return. A median earnings figure near $56,000 ten years out, against debt of $27,000, means most graduates clear their loans without much strain. The 62% graduation rate is the bigger risk: nearly four in ten students don't finish, and the debt hurts far more if you leave without a degree.
Your major decides a lot here. The engineering and tech programs are where the money is. Electrical engineering and mechanical engineering both land graduates around $74,000, and they carry roughly the same debt as the campus median, so the extra earnings are close to free upside. Computer science and management information systems sit in the mid-$60,000s. Michigan's manufacturing and automotive base gives these degrees a regional job market that actually hires them, which is why the numbers hold up. If you're not in engineering, tech, or MIS, expect earnings closer to the $56,000 median, and possibly below it.
The specific risk at CMU is finishing. A 74% retention rate means a quarter of first-year students don't return for year two, and each one who borrowed is now paying for credits that don't pay back. Go in with a plan to graduate, ideally in a program with a clear career line.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay less than $12,000 a year, and the number actually drops slightly in the lowest bracket. Above $75,000 it climbs past $17,000. CMU is a good financial fit for you if you're targeting an engineering, computing, or MIS degree, or if your family income keeps net price in the low tiers. If you're paying the top-tier price for a lower-earning major, look harder at whether the total cost pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Michigan University worth the cost for most students?
Central Michigan University offers mixed value with graduates earning $55,874 annually after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The $16,041 net price and $27,000 median debt create reasonable financial risk, but only if you choose high-paying programs like Allied Health or Engineering.
What are the best paying majors at Central Michigan University?
Allied Health programs lead with $113,135 average earnings, followed by International Business and Communication Disorders at $76,460 each. Engineering programs (Electrical and Mechanical) also perform well around $74,000, while many other majors likely fall well below the school's $55,874 average.
How much debt do Central Michigan University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable if you land a well-paying job but problematic given that many graduates earn around the $55,874 average. Students in lower-paying majors may struggle to service this debt comfortably.
Does Central Michigan University have good job placement after graduation?
With a 61.80% graduation rate, nearly 40% of students don't finish their degree, which signals retention and completion challenges. The school's 78.95% acceptance rate suggests less selective admissions, and post-graduation earnings vary dramatically by program choice.