About

About Central Michigan University

public doctoral universityhigh research activityeducation and business focusaccessible admissionsmidsize midwest campus

Central Michigan University is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, MI, known for its public doctoral university, high research activity, and education and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 79%, CMU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,019 students each year. CMU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 970–1200, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. CMU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,447 per year; the sticker price of $26,264 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Central Michigan University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

79%
Overall Accept Rate
2.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1085
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 1.00 – 3.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 970 – 1200 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 21 – 27

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Central Michigan University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Central Michigan admits the large majority of applicants, so your GPA and course rigor in high school carry the most weight in their review. Make sure your transcript shows a steady upward trend or consistent solid performance, since that is what will stand out most to CMU reviewers.
Test Score Strategy
CMU is test optional and puts very little weight on essays or demonstrated interest, so if your score falls below their middle range, skip submitting it and let your GPA and coursework lead your application.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Central Michigan University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$26k/yr$12.2k
30k-48k~$26k/yr$12.1k
48k-75k~$26k/yr$13.6k
75k-110k~$26k/yr$16.3k
110k+~$26k/yr$21.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

62%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
10,602
Undergrad Enrollment
Central Michigan University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch