About Central Michigan University

Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University. is a Public college. Located in Michigan, which is a city setting in Michigan, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 19,877 full time undergraduate students, and 6,109 full time graduate students.

The Central Michigan University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 22:1. There are 850 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Central Michigan University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate71%
Application Deadline
Application Fee35
SAT Range890-1140
ACT Range20-25

Admissions at CMU are considered Selective, with ,143% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

76% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 40% were in the top quarter, and 14% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Central Michigan University.

4%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
30%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
45%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
47%
“I feel extremely safe”
13%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
49%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
54%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
13%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
14%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
31%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
75%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
8%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
44%
“We only party on weekends”
47%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
37%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
30%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
45%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
47%
“I feel extremely safe”
13%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
49%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
54%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
13%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
14%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
31%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
75%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
8%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
44%
“We only party on weekends”
47%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
37%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    274 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    200 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    287 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    299 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    299 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    299 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    299 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    301 Students rated academics 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.

Central Michigan University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Central Michigan University?

136 Students rated Central Michigan University

Jaxen - 04/30/2024

I think it is a very good school. Not too big of a campus and there are some very great people here. Lots of opportunities for help, getting involved, or fun. I find it a great place to further your learning and to live with others with plenty to do.

Carley - 01/28/2024

Overall it's a great school with a great campus. There are so many opportunities in and out of class to learn or try something new. I enjoy that you can always meet new people or join new clubs. There is just always something to do or try. The food could maybe be better but it's not bad and the housing is pretty good.

Nevaeh - 03/22/2023

I enjoy going to Central Michigan University. They have an excellent fashion program, and many career opportunities. I would say however, most of the job events at CMU (Central Michigan University) are geared towards the marketing and logistics profession, so it can be hard to find other jobs outside of those two. Another thing I would say is that CMU is remarkably diverse, and the students are kind. I have made more friendships within my first year than I did in high school, middle school, and elementary school. CMU also has plenty of resources for career preparation, such as free resume critiques, free professional outfits for interviews, meetings, or events, and even mock interviews! There is also free counseling for students, which I found extremely helpful during my first year. The campus size is decent, I could typically reach the opposite side of campus within 15-20 minutes while walking, and I could always cut through buildings to decrease the time. The academic structure of CMU is amazing, and always incorporates professional development into all courses. Many of the professors are extremely helpful and will accommodate your needs if you talk to them. The campus is also extremely safe. All buildings are equipped with a keycard scanner needed for entering buildings and authorized rooms. There are also many blue emergency lights around campus, so it’s an added layer of protection to students. Overall, I believe Central Michigan is a great college to go to, and there are many advantages and career opportunities in all fields within the university!

Camille - 12/03/2020

I love CMU! I feel extremely comfortable on campus, the class sizes are great, and campus is the perfect size. There are a lot of parks and restaurants in Mount Pleasant so there is always something to do. Central Michigan makes it very easy to get involved even through a pandemic.

Central Michigan University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Central Michigan University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Central Michigan University is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time I would tell myself one thing and that's "Don't worry so much". I would explain to not worry about the future, because if you always focus on how things will be a year, five years, ten years down the road then you will never really be able to enjoy a moment. You will make plenty of new friends, your friends from home will do the same, so don't worry about losing them because you wont. You don't have to know what you're majoring in right from the start, it will all get figured out. Just understand that everything will change but eventually that change will become normal. All of the thoughts of uncertainty dissapear and you will realize that being happy is something that comes from within yourself, not from the kind of people you attract and get to know. Enjoy the moment, enjoy every day before you leave for school, enjoy feeling like a kid and being with your bestfriends everyday this summer, but don't be scared to leave. Change makes us who we are, everything works itself out if you put the effort in.

    Read all 276 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates have all been welcoming. I feel they are all friendly and are in the same boat I am in. They are all up for making new friends and getting to know each individual personally.

    Read all 205 answers

  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    This school is large enough to give a really good variety in education choices, yet small enough to have that home-town feel. The students/staff/faculty are very friendly and welcoming to everyone that comes here. The most recent controversy was related to a student who hung nooses in one of the technical buildings (this was this past fall). He claimed it was a joke related to Halloween. The main experience I'll always remember about CMU surround my time with Phi Sigma Sigma - the BEST sorority on campus!!

    Read all 173 answers

  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    The education here at CMU is geared towards getting solid job opportunities once you leave. Internships are highly recommended, and greatly help in obtaining post-graduation jobs.

    Read all 169 answers

  6. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    No they are not!!!

    Read all 163 answers

  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    People party here like they do at most any other University across the campus. Greek life is not as vast here as at other campuses, but the population is close and IS growing.

    Read all 163 answers

  8. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    I dont think there are a lot of sterotypes about us. We are the best.

    Read all 163 answers

  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The thing that I found to be unique about my school compared to other schools is that contrary to the fact that my university is a Division One school meaning that our population is much larger than some yet also smaller than some other Division One schools it seems as if we are much more close knit like a family. Coming to the school I would not expect that because of the large size but I am grateful to attend a university where people treat you as if they are part of their own family.

    Read all 145 answers

  10. What's unique about your campus?

    While you learn a lot in your classes, it is not too overwhelming at the undergraduate level. The graduate level, however, is very demanding, but the professors do their job well preparing you for a career.

    Read all 68 answers

  11. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Central Michigan University works with their students to help them achieve in the best and fastest way possible.

    Read all 54 answers

  12. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The overall quality of my education

    Read all 48 answers

  13. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    A person should not attend this school if they don't want to be involved. Whether it be social or academic the involvement on this campus is apparent. Everyone is extremely spirited about going here and although there is some discrimination it's an overall friendly atmosphere. Students who shouldn't attend would be anyone who's prejudiced agains a native American tribe as the Chippewa culture is intertwined with that of the university.

    Read all 45 answers

  14. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Anyone who is looking for a great atmosphere.

    Read all 44 answers

  15. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The campus life is so freeing. You get to live on your own and make your own decisions all while meeting new people. Everyday is a new adventure you get to dive into. The campus at CMU is not boring at all; there is always something to experience, join, or enjoy!

    Read all 41 answers

  16. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have known that there is really nothing to do outside of the campus. There is a Walmart and a Target that's in walking distance from the school and that's it.

    Read all 41 answers

  17. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about Central Michigan University would probably be that it's diverse but not diverse as it could be; my university lacks the blended cultures that it needs to help prepare many of the students to for the work force. Before coming to college much of my high school was mainly one race to by coming to college I thought I'd get the opportunity to make up for that yet my school lacks that and it is quite disappointing.

    Read all 38 answers

  18. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    We are doing pretty well in football and being a music major, I'd say our band and choir department are growing rather well.

    Read all 30 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The most common stereotype is that we're a party school for kids who weren't smart enough to go to Michigan State. Unfortunately, that does describe most of campus, but there are subgroups (Centralis Scholars, The Honors Program, The Leadership Institute, etc.) that disprove the stereotype.

    Read all 6 answers

  20. What's the Greek scene like?

    This story is a culmination of interviews that Central Michigan Life did while following one student through the Greek r

    Read all 1 answers

  21. Describe the best and worst parts of the social scene on campus.

    Delbert Shoopman and Friends enjoy all the fun tailgating has to offer at CMU (Central Michigan University)

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

57%

female

43%

male

19,877

Total Undergrad Enrollment

6,109

Total Grad Students

8%

Out-Of-State

91%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

160

Student Organizations

9

Fraternities

13

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
8%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
77%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

95% of students attending Central Michigan University receive some sort of financial aid. 34% were awarded federal grants. While 80% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$22,881

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$9,406

Room and Board

33,287

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$10,521
$30 - $48K
$11,621
$48 - $75K
$14,281
$75 - $110K
$17,821
$110K & UP
$18,821

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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