Central Michigan University (CMU) is a renowned public university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, known for its commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and vibrant campus life. With a range of highly ranked programs, CMU offers students diverse opportunities across fields like Business, Health Sciences, Education, and Engineering.
For prospective students, understanding CMU’s ranking, admission process, tuition fees, course options, and campus resources is essential for making informed decisions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what CMU has to offer, from competitive admission standards to scholarships and student support services, to help students prepare for a successful college experience.
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About Central Michigan University
Over 15,000 students are handled by Central Michigan University both on campus in Mount Pleasant and online. Students at CMU are encouraged to apply the theories they have studied. Academic and student service programs, backed by great faculty and staff, foster active, hands-on learning with practical outcomes, helping students to accomplish their academic and career objectives. CMU Chippewas alumni possess the skills and competency essential to prosper in their employment, regardless of their field of study. CMU is routinely listed by employers as one of the top institutions in the state for students who best fulfill their criteria.
With one of the most thorough leadership development programs in the country, CMU sets the bar for leadership. A wide spectrum of leadership training is available to all CMU students, commencing with the special multi-day seminars before their first year. CMU students get the experience needed to become leaders in life, surrounded by a community devoted to uplifting each individual.
CMU students learn how to use their knowledge, talents, and abilities to benefit lives and communities in Michigan and beyond since active citizenship is important to the university’s mission. According to Break Away, CMU’s Alternative Breaks program is one of the best in the country. Locally, nationally, and internationally, hundreds of students volunteer via the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center.
Sustainability is also very important to the CMU community, and its students are at the forefront of this movement. Encouraged by their efforts, CMU received a Gold STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, was recognized as the 2020 WasteWise College Partner of the Year by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and won the 2021 US EPA WasteWise National Narrative Sustainability Public Education Award.
Researchers at CMU’s Institute for Great Lakes Research are at the vanguard of efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands that are crucial to the general health of the Great Lakes, due to the university’s second $10 million EPA award in six years. According to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, CMU is a tiny institution with a high degree of research activity. As early as their freshman year, students at CMU can start working with exceptional faculty members, undertaking state-of-the-art research in areas such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s illness, environmental preservation and sustainability, figuring out the mass of “ghost particles,” and more.
CMU’s academic and student support programs have gained national and worldwide accolades for their excellence. CMU was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency, and it is one of four universities in the US and fourteen worldwide to be approved as a Celonis Academic Center of Excellence for process mining. In terms of the quantity of Gilman Scholars granted for study abroad programs, the university came in at number eighteen in the country.
Military Times acknowledged CMU as the eighth-best school in the US for veterans, while the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency ranked it at the gold level. It is one of just two Adobe Creative Campuses in Michigan, enabling students to learn how to make photos, websites, films, podcasts, and more while also enhancing their digital literacy.
Students at CMU compete for and win prestigious national scholarships every year, such as the Fulbright, Goldwater, Boren, Newman, and Udall fellowships and awards. Student-athletes from CMU, an NCAA Division I university, participate in 16 Mid-American Conference men’s and women’s sports. In 15 different sports, the CMU Chippewas have won over 100 MAC titles, and in 11 of the last 16 years, the football program has advanced to a playoff bowl game. For 47 straight semesters, CMU student-athletes have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above on average.
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Central Michigan University Ranking
Central Michigan Institution, located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is a reputable public research organization. The university provides extensive professional development coaching and support. According to the US’s Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence review, Central Michigan University is ranked #1 out of four. Across seven campuses, it provides more than 200-degree programs in business and healthcare education that are geared to the demands of the job market today.
- QS World Ranking: 1201-1400th ranking globally from 2023 to 2025.
- US News Ranking: 1328th ranking worldwide in 2024.
- Times Higher Education: 1001–1200th ranking worldwide in 2024.
AASHE has granted Central Michigan University a Gold Star designation for its sustainability in offering an outstanding educational experience. The university is ranked #1201+ for sustainability by QS. Among US universities, Central Michigan University’s QS ranking is positioned between 301 and 350th. The institution is ranked #141st among the best public schools and #260th in the United States, according to US News.
Central Michigan University Ranking By Subject
According to the 2024 Edurank ranking, Central Michigan University is rated #906th in the world. Edurank indicates that Central Michigan University has a strong reputation in North America, which helps explain its #276th rating. According to Edurank 2024, the university is ranked #7 in Michigan and #245 in the United States. View the popular subject-wise rankings for various courses by Edurank below.
A selection of degree programs are provided at Central Michigan University that are aimed to assist you boost your professional alternatives. The university is among the 190 universities worldwide that have gained AACSB accreditation for business programs. You can apply for extra well-liked courses, such as science, education, and health. You can interact with great lecturers at this university. This university offers exceptional job search aid, networking opportunities, and career coaching.
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Central Michigan University Admissions
International students were enticed to the university by its promises of a thorough education, affluent professions, and lifelong study. More than 14,000 students were admitted to CMU in some subjects, according to the latest recent figures.
Research and innovation are accorded considerable prominence at the university. Central Michigan University delivers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialized programs. Among the most popular are programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, STEM, business management, engineering, design, education, health professions, and other areas.
Central Michigan University’s appropriate selection techniques are evidenced by its 77% admission rate. However, abroad students must demonstrate their strong academic status, achievement on standardized tests, competency in the English language, and appropriate work experience.
Central Michigan University’s campus is small enough to make transferring between places easy. The living halls will be five to 10 minutes’ walk from the majority of the classes. Additionally, the university is rated as one of the top 5 safest campuses in the state. The student-teacher ratio is 21:1, and just 8% of classrooms have more than 50 students. Central Michigan students are admitted to the college for two main semesters, which is the usual academic year for Western colleges:
- Apply by May 15 for the Fall Semester, which runs from late August to December.
- Apply by October 1st for the Spring Semester, which runs from January to May.
The Grade Point Average (GPA), which goes from 0 to 4.0 with 4.0 being the highest academic achievement, is derived by averaging these outcomes. Grades are assigned using letters that correspond to numerical values, or “grade points.”
- “A” is worth 4.0 points (excellent)
- “B” is 3.0 (good)
- “C” is 2.0 (average)
- “D” is 1.0 (below average)
- “F” is 0 (failing)
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Central Michigan University Courses
Marketing, Business, Management, Journalism, and Communication are the most popular courses studied by international students at CMU Michigan. There are eight colleges at Central Michigan University where students can pursue their preferred degrees. The following are some of Central Michigan University’s well-liked programs:
Central Michigan University Top Courses and Fees
| Programs | Fees |
|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science | USD 28,710 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | USD 24,240 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Engineering | USD 28,710 |
| Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng], Mechanical Engineering | USD 21,000 |
| Bachelor of Business Administration [B.B.A], Marketing | USD 21,000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng], Electrical Engineering | USD 21,000 |
| Bachelor of Business Administration [B.B.A], Purchasing and Supply Management | USD 21,000 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S], Biology - Biomedical, Cellular and Molecular Biology | USD 21,000 |
| Online/Distance MBA | - |
| Applied Experimental Psychology | - |
| Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D | - |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | - |
Tuition Fees at Central Michigan University
Understanding the cost of attendance is crucial when considering any university. Here’s a breakdown of CMU’s tuition and associated expenses:
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: In-state students typically pay a lower tuition rate compared to out-of-state and international students. The approximate annual tuition for in-state undergraduates is around $13,000, while out-of-state and international students pay approximately $23,000 per year.
- Graduate Tuition Fees: Graduate program costs vary by department but average around $600 per credit hour for in-state students and $850 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
- Additional Costs: Besides tuition, students should consider housing, meal plans, textbooks, and other fees. On-campus housing and meal plans typically add around $10,000–$12,000 to the annual expenses.
Central Michigan University Campus
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is home to Central Michigan University’s main campus. Lansing and Traverse City are home to the Central Michigan campus’s centers. Numerous technologies are accessible on campus at CMU to improve student growth and interaction. You may get in contact with the nice and helpful foreign student community by visiting their Instagram account.
- There are more than 300 clubs and recognized student organizations on the CMU campus in Michigan.
- Approximately 500 different events and activities are arranged by the Office of Student Activities and Involvement.
- A training center, gaming area, TT court, fitness track, basketball and volleyball court, indoor soccer field, pool complex, and MC Guirk Arena are among the university’s recreational offerings.
- To receive games and other merchandise at the collection center, simply give your ID card upon arrival.
- On campus, there are 17 distinct dining selections. Coffee shops and sandwich shops are examples of grab-and-go restaurants that are excellent for enjoying exquisite meals while on the go.
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Central Michigan University Living Costs
You can readily access classes, a large selection of dietary alternatives, and fitness and health activities if you live on campus. Additionally, you will have:
- Every floor has free laundry.
- Covered utilities including gas, electricity, water, waste, recycling, and the Internet.
- No upkeep or yard responsibilities, such as shoveling or repairs.
- Care advocates are experienced mental health specialists who are available in your resident hall.
- Each room offers a private bathroom that you and your roommates can use together.
Undergraduate Housing:
On campus, there are 17 housing halls with varied room configurations. The rooms for first-year students are two-bedroom suites with private bathrooms that are shared by four individuals. Also accessible to second-year students are suites with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and space for four people.
Graduate Housing:
Apartments with one, two, or four bedrooms are offered in the freshly erected graduate housing. Each provides living and kitchen/dining rooms, as well as full kitchens and in-unit laundry.
Central Michigan University Placements
Central Michigan University’s Career Development Center offers students with internships, career coaching, and all elements of career planning. Ford Motor Company, Quicken Loans, the State of Michigan, and General Motors are a few of the main employers of Central Michigan University graduates. Students who graduate from Central Michigan University average make USD 71,000 a year. The following are a few careers that Central Michigan University students typically pursue, along with their related average salaries:
| Profession | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Human Resources (HR) Manager | 78,930 |
| Operations Manager | 78,620 |
| Project Manager | 62,440 |
| Physician Assistant | 96,100 |
| Human Resources Generalist | 52,500 |
FAQs about the Central Michigan University
1. What are the key admission requirements for international students at Central Michigan University?
International students must submit an online application, official transcripts, and English language competence tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS), and may need SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate programs or GRE/GMAT scores for specialized graduate programs. They should also submit a personal statement and letters of reference. Deadlines and other criteria vary by program.
2. How does Central Michigan University rank nationally and globally, and what programs are highly rated?
CMU is routinely recognized in U.S. News & World Report and other rankings for its programs in Business, Health Sciences, and Education. CMU is also noted for its research output, good job placement rates, and positive alumni reviews, indicating a strong reputation among national and global universities.
3. What is the average cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, for both in-state and international students?
For undergraduate in-state students, tuition averages around $13,000 per year, while out-of-state and international students pay approximately $23,000. Graduate tuition varies by school but usually costs around $600 per credit hour for in-state and $850 per credit for out-of-state students. Housing, meal plans, and other living charges may add $10,000–$12,000 annually.
4. What types of scholarships and financial aid options are available for students at CMU, especially for international students?
CMU offers a multitude of scholarships, including merit-based prizes, need-based grants, and program-specific scholarships. International students can apply for competitive merit scholarships based on academic performance, as well as some department-specific grants. Early submission is encouraged to optimize eligibility.
5. What are some unique aspects of CMU’s campus life and student resources that enhance the student experience?
CMU’s campus offers modern lodging, a vast number of clubs and organizations, and resources like career counseling, tutoring, health services, and mental health support. The university also provides internship and co-op opportunities, allowing students hands-on experience to prepare for their future professions.
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To sum up, Central Michigan University (CMU) provides a holistic educational experience that blends robust academic programs, an engaged campus community, and tools to help students thrive. CMU’s focus on quality and excellence is reinforced by its excellent rankings in sectors including business, health sciences, and education. The college provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to fit a variety of interests and professional objectives. Accessible admissions procedures and CMU‘s comprehensive tuition and other cost breakdowns enable families and students to make well-informed financial decisions.
Both local and foreign students benefit tremendously from financial help and scholarship options, especially for merit and need-based applicants. A strong feeling of community is fostered by CMU‘s inclusive campus, which is home to various clubs, organizations, and cutting-edge facilities. Selecting CMU implies becoming a part of a modern university committed to generating graduates who are prepared to substantially influence their communities and careers.