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Central Michigan University (CMU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Central Michigan University

Set in a mid-Michigan college town, Central Michigan University pairs a friendly, roll-up-your-sleeves culture with practical academics. It's known for strong teaching across health and human services, business and entrepreneurship, teacher preparation, science and technology, and the arts and media. Students use hands-on labs and studios, a busy library, and get support through advising, tutoring, counseling, and a career center that actually picks up the phone.

Student life spans clubs, student media, service projects, intramurals, and game day traditions, with the rallying cry Fire Up Chips. Recreation comes via a modern rec center, green spaces, and the Chippewa River. Career prep taps internships and alumni ties statewide. Mount Pleasant adds coffee shops, local flavor, and room to breathe. Notable alumni include sportscaster Dick Enberg and NBA All-Star Chris Kaman.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
106 Warriner Hall, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, 48859, USA
Website
cmich.edu
Unit ID
169248

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a distant town (10-35 miles from urbanized area)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R2 (High Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$14,312
Tuition $13,862 + Fee $450
Out-of-State
$14,312
Tuition $13,862 + Fee $450
Student Profile
Total Students 14,399
Undergraduate 9,916
Graduate/Other 4,483
Male: 5,701 Female: 8,698
Applications
Total Applicants 18,102
Admitted 16,474
Enrolled 2,044
Acceptance: 91% Yield: 12.4%
Staff
Total Staff 2,273
Full-time 1,956
Part-time 317
Full-time: 86.1% Part-time: 13.9%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Central Michigan University (CMU) offers 182 degree programs across 26 major academic fields, graduating approximately 4,359 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (24 programs, 1,063 graduates), Computer & IT (5 programs, 569 graduates), Education (26 programs, 504 graduates), Health (18 programs, 501 graduates) and Psychology (7 programs, 253 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Business (24 programs, 1,063 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 300
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0201
Marketing Management 90
Bachelor's
52.1401
Project Management 79
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0211
Human Resources Management 67
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1001
Logistics and Supply Chain Management 62
Bachelor's
52.0203
Business Administration and Management 62
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0299
Organizational Leadership 55
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0213
Accounting 54
Bachelor's
52.0301
Entrepreneurship Studies 54
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0701
Finance, General 46
Bachelor's
52.0801
Meeting and Event Planning 33
Bachelor's
52.0907
Management Information Systems 32
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
52.1201
Business Communications 31
Bachelor's
52.0501
Purchasing and Contracts Management 30
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0202
Fashion Merchandising 14
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1902
Financial Planning and Services 12
Bachelor's
52.0804
Actuarial Science 9
Bachelor's
52.1304
Organizational Behavior 7
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1003
International Business and Trade 7
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1101
Nonprofit and Organizational Management 6
Master's
52.0206
Hospitality Management 6
Bachelor's
52.0901
Real Estate 5
Bachelor's
52.1501
Research and Development Management 1
Postbac Cert.
52.0210
Casino Management 1
Bachelor's
52.0908
Computer & IT (5 programs, 569 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Information Technology 425
Bachelor's
Master's
11.0103
Computer Science 125
Bachelor's
Master's
11.0701
Computer and Information Sciences 11
Master's
11.0101
Information Systems Security and Auditing 7
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
11.1003
Data Modeling and Database Administration 1
Postbac Cert.
11.0802
Education (26 programs, 504 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Early Childhood Education 142
Bachelor's
13.1210
Instructional Technology 45
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0501
Educational Leadership and Administration 37
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0401
English Language Arts Teacher Education 34
Bachelor's
13.1305
Curriculum and Instruction 28
Master's
13.0301
Special Education Teaching 25
Master's
13.1001
Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 24
Bachelor's
13.1006
Music Teacher Education 24
Bachelor's
13.1312
Science Teacher Education 21
Bachelor's
13.1316
School Counseling and Guidance 18
Master's
13.1101
Mathematics Teacher Education 17
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
13.1311
Reading Teacher Education 16
Master's
13.1315
Social Studies Teacher Education 15
Bachelor's
13.1318
Health Education Teacher Preparation 14
Bachelor's
13.1307
History Teacher Education 8
Bachelor's
13.1328
Higher Education Administration 6
Master's
13.0406
Adult and Continuing Education Administration 5
Master's
13.0403
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 5
Other Award
13.1401
Community College Administration 4
Master's
13.0407
Elementary Education 4
Bachelor's
13.1202
Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities 3
Postbac Cert.
13.1011
Art Education 3
Bachelor's
13.1302
Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances 2
Bachelor's
13.1005
Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas 2
Postbac Cert.
13.1399
Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities 1
Other Award
13.1007
Biology Teacher Education 1
Bachelor's
13.1322
Health (18 programs, 501 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Medicine 102
Doctorate (P)
51.1201
Health Administration and Management 84
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.0701
Communication Sciences and Disorders 53
Bachelor's
51.0201
Physical Therapy 48
Doctorate (P)
51.2308
Mental Health Counseling 44
Master's
51.1508
Speech-Language Pathology 39
Master's
51.0203
Physician Assistant 37
Master's
51.0912
Public Health 27
Master's
51.2201
Therapeutic Recreation 13
Bachelor's
51.2309
Public Health Education and Promotion 9
Bachelor's
51.2207
Dietetics 9
Bachelor's
51.3101
Audiology 8
Doctorate (P)
51.0202
Registered Nursing 8
Bachelor's
51.3801
Athletic Training 7
Bachelor's
51.0913
International Public Health 6
Postbac Cert.
51.2210
Substance Abuse Counseling 4
Master's
51.1501
Environmental Health 2
Bachelor's
51.2202
Mental and Social Health Services 1
Master's
51.1599
Psychology (7 programs, 253 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 151
Bachelor's
42.0101
Health Psychology 62
Bachelor's
42.2810
Industrial-Organizational Psychology 16
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2804
School Psychology 9
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2805
Experimental Psychology 7
Doctorate (R)
42.2799
Experimental Psychology 4
Master's
42.2704
Clinical Psychology 4
Master's
42.2801
Kinesiology (6 programs, 186 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 84
Bachelor's
31.0505
Sport and Fitness Management 69
Bachelor's
Master's
31.0504
Outdoor Education 16
Bachelor's
31.0601
Physical Fitness Technician 11
Bachelor's
31.0507
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education 5
Bachelor's
31.0501
Parks and Recreation Management 1
Master's
31.0301
Biological Sciences (10 programs, 185 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Cell and Molecular Biology 73
Bachelor's
26.0406
Neuroscience 33
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1501
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 29
Bachelor's
26.1310
Biochemistry 15
Bachelor's
26.0202
Neurobiology and Anatomy 11
Bachelor's
26.1503
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology 9
Master's
26.0908
Conservation Biology 6
Master's
26.1307
Biology and Biological Sciences 3
Master's
26.0101
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0210
Biological and Biomedical Sciences 3
Bachelor's
26.9999
Public Services (5 programs, 176 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Community Organization and Advocacy 93
Bachelor's
Other Award
44.0201
Public Administration 48
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
44.0401
Social Work 29
Bachelor's
44.0701
International Policy Analysis 4
Other Award
44.0504
Public Policy Analysis 2
Other Award
44.0501
Communication (7 programs, 166 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 54
Bachelor's
09.0799
Public Relations and Image Management 37
Bachelor's
09.0902
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 36
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
09.0101
Advertising 16
Bachelor's
09.0903
Journalism 14
Bachelor's
09.0401
Photojournalism 8
Bachelor's
09.0404
Mass Communication and Media Studies 1
Other Award
09.0102
Arts (17 programs, 123 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Interior Design 21
Bachelor's
50.0408
Graphic Design 18
Bachelor's
50.0409
Fashion and Apparel Design 14
Bachelor's
50.0407
Theatre Arts 14
Bachelor's
50.0501
Digital Arts 13
Bachelor's
50.0102
Studio Arts, General 11
Bachelor's
50.0702
Music 8
Bachelor's
50.0901
Dance 5
Bachelor's
50.0399
Music Theory and Composition 4
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0904
Theatre Design and Technology 3
Bachelor's
50.0502
Music Performance 3
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0903
Voice and Opera Performance 3
Bachelor's
50.0908
Keyboard Instruments 2
Bachelor's
50.0907
Musical Theatre 1
Bachelor's
50.0509
Film and Media Studies 1
Bachelor's
50.0601
Art History and Conservation 1
Bachelor's
50.0703
Music Management 1
Bachelor's
50.1003

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Central Michigan University (CMU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
960 - 1210
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 490 - 620
Median: 550
Math 470 - 590
Median: 540
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
21 - 27
25th-75th percentile
English 20 - 28
Median: 24
Math 19 - 27
Median: 23

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$31,180
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$31,180
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,312
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,312
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$12,178 (on) / $8,970 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,240
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,450 (on) / $4,070 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,070
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$16,293
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$16,293
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

19%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$10,638
Avg. Loan
$6,597
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,338
Additional
Students with Any Grant
1,890
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
1,504
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
633
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$8,813
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

62%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
74%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$38,496 – $78,697
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$38,496 (25th %) $78,697 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $55,874
Median Salary After 6 Years
$46,567
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$55,874
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
55.8%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
65.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 42.7%
Middle 56.5%
High 64.2%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 59.1%
Independent 40.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Central Michigan University (CMU)

How much does it cost to attend Central Michigan University (CMU)?

The annual tuition at Central Michigan University (CMU) is $14,312 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $31,180 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,178 (on) / $8,970 (off) and books and supplies $1,240.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Central Michigan University offer?

Central Michigan University (CMU) offers 182 academic programs across 26 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (24 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (5 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (26 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (18 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (7 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Central Michigan University?

Central Michigan University (CMU) has an 91% acceptance rate and a 12.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 18,102
  • Students admitted: 16,474
  • Students enrolled: 2,044

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Central Michigan University?

Central Michigan University (CMU) provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $10,638 and average loans of $6,597.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,136
  • State/Local grants: $1,416
  • Institutional grants: $8,813
  • Federal loans: $5,338

The university supports 1,890 students with grants and 1,504 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Central Michigan University graduates?

Central Michigan University (CMU) graduates earn a median salary of $46,567 after 6 years and $55,874 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,496 (25th percentile) to $78,697 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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