Central Michigan vs University of Michigan

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CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Central Michigan vs University of Michigan Introduction

In this article, we will be comparing two notable institutions in the state of Michigan, Central Michigan University (CMU) and the University of Michigan (UMich). We will cover various aspects such as their overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comparison will provide insights into these universities and help prospective students make informed decisions when choosing between them.

Central Michigan Overview

Central Michigan University, located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is a public research university founded in 1892. CMU offers more than 200 academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university has a strong emphasis on community engagement, global education, and research. The campus spreads over 480 acres and houses more than 18,000 students. CMU has a strong focus on providing a quality education, with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

Central Michigan Costs & Tuition

Tuition and fees at Central Michigan University for in-state undergraduate students are approximately $12,960 per year. For out-of-state students, the annual cost is about $24,120. Room and board expenses add an additional $10,000 to the total cost of attendance. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with more than 75% of students receiving some form of aid.

Central Michigan Admissions

The acceptance rate at Central Michigan University is roughly 69%, making it a moderately selective school. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.4, while the average ACT score is 22-28, and SAT scores range from 1050-1240. CMU offers rolling admissions, which means you can apply at any time, but earlier applications have a better chance of receiving financial aid and scholarships.

Central Michigan Degrees Offered

CMU offers a wide range of degrees across various fields, including business, education, health professions, communication, and fine arts. The university also provides online and hybrid programs for flexibility in learning. Some of the popular majors at CMU include marketing, engineering, and psychology.

Central Michigan Academics

Central Michigan University is dedicated to providing quality education, with over 80% of professors holding a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field. The student-faculty ratio at CMU is 19:1, which allows for more personalized attention and better learning experiences. The university also offers numerous research opportunities and study abroad programs for students.

Central Michigan Diversity

CMU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on its campus. The university has a diverse student population, with 18% of students being from underrepresented groups. CMU also offers various programs and resources to support diverse students, including the Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services and the Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

Central Michigan Students

With over 18,000 students, Central Michigan University has a vibrant and active student life. There are more than 400 student organizations, which cater to a wide range of interests, from academic and professional clubs to cultural and recreational groups. The university also has a strong athletic program, with the CMU Chippewas competing in NCAA Division I sports.

Central Michigan Campus

CMU’s 480-acre campus in Mount Pleasant offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. The campus is also home to a renowned library and a variety of dining options. CMU provides on-campus housing for students, with numerous residence halls and apartment options available.

Central Michigan Alumni

Central Michigan University has a strong alumni network, with over 200,000 alumni worldwide. The CMU Alumni Association offers various resources and opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the university and fellow graduates. Notable alumni from CMU include actors Terry O’Quinn and Jeff Daniels, and former NASA astronaut Jerry Linenger.

Central Michigan Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Central Michigan University is ranked #249 in National Universities. The university is also ranked #103 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #105 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Central Michigan Outcomes

Graduates of Central Michigan University have a strong track record of success in their careers. The average starting salary for recent CMU graduates is around $42,000 per year. The university also reports a 93% career outcomes rate, which includes graduates who are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.

University of Michigan Overview

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a public research university founded in 1817. UMich is one of the top universities in the United States and offers over 275-degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, with an annual research expenditure of over $1.5 billion. The campus spans 3,200 acres and houses more than 48,000 students.

University of Michigan Costs & Tuition

In-state undergraduate students at the University of Michigan can expect to pay approximately $15,948 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students’ costs are about $52,266 per year. The room and board costs add another $11,996 to the total cost of attendance. More than 70% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award being around $19,834.

University of Michigan Admissions

Admissions at the University of Michigan are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 23%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.9, the average ACT score is 31-34, and SAT scores range from 1340-1520. The university has a Regular Decision deadline of February 1, with notifications of admission decisions sent by early April.

University of Michigan Degrees Offered

UMich offers a comprehensive range of degree programs across a variety of fields, including engineering, business, social sciences, and humanities. Some of the most popular majors at the university include business administration, engineering, and computer and information sciences.

University of Michigan Academics

The University of Michigan boasts a strong academic reputation, with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. Over 90% of courses at UMich have fewer than 50 students, allowing for more personalized learning experiences. The university also provides numerous research opportunities and study abroad programs for its students.

University of Michigan Diversity

The University of Michigan is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 27% of the student population at UMich are underrepresented minorities. The university also offers various resources and support systems for diverse students, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Center for Educational Outreach.

University of Michigan Students

With a student population of over 48,000, the University of Michigan has a vibrant and diverse student life. There are more than 1,600 student organizations on campus, catering to a wide range of interests and passions. The university is also known for its strong athletic culture, with the Michigan Wolverines competing in NCAA Division I sports.

University of Michigan Campus

The sprawling 3,200-acre campus of the University of Michigan features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. The campus also houses the renowned University of Michigan Library and various dining options. On-campus housing is available for students, with numerous residence halls and apartment options to choose from.

University of Michigan Alumni

The University of Michigan has an extensive alumni network, with over 600,000 alumni across the globe. The Michigan Alumni Association offers various resources and opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the university and fellow graduates. Notable alumni from UMich include former U.S. President Gerald Ford, Google co-founder Larry Page, and actress Lucy Liu.

University of Michigan Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Michigan is ranked #24 in National Universities and #3 in Top Public Schools. The university is also ranked #1 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs and #3 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

University of Michigan Outcomes

Graduates from the University of Michigan have a strong track record of success in their careers and further education. The average starting salary for recent UMich graduates is around $62,000 per year. The university reports a 94% career outcomes rate, which includes graduates who are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.

Central Michigan vs University of Michigan Cost Comparison

Central Michigan University has a lower overall cost of attendance as compared to the University of Michigan. In-state students at CMU can expect to pay around $12,960 per year for tuition and fees, while in-state students at UMich pay approximately $15,948. For out-of-state students, the annual tuition and fees at CMU are $24,120, and at UMich, they are $52,266.

Central Michigan vs University of Michigan Admissions Difficulty

Admissions at the University of Michigan are significantly more competitive than at Central Michigan University. UMich has an acceptance rate of around 23%, while CMU’s acceptance rate is around 69%. The average high school GPA, ACT, and SAT scores for admitted students are also higher at UMich as compared to CMU.

Central Michigan vs University of Michigan Academic Difficulty

The University of Michigan is known for its rigorous academic programs and a higher level of academic challenge as compared to Central Michigan University. UMich has a lower student-faculty ratio of 15:1, as opposed to CMU’s 19:1, which allows for more personalized attention and better learning experiences. In addition, UMich is ranked higher in national rankings and has a more extensive range of course offerings.

Central Michigan vs University of Michigan Outcome Comparison

Graduates from the University of Michigan tend to have higher starting salaries and slightly better career outcomes as compared to Central Michigan University graduates. The average starting salary for UMich graduates is around $62,000 per year, while CMU graduates earn an average of $42,000 per year. The career outcomes rate for UMich is 94%, and for CMU, it is 93%.