Central Michigan University vs Michigan State University
Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI, and Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% of applicants against 90% at Central Michigan University. Central Michigan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,597 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University. About 81% of students graduate at Michigan State University, compared with 60% at Central Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Michigan State University alumni earn a median of about $67,253, against $55,874 for Central Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
East Lansing, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,035
40,922
Acceptance rate
90%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
~3.74 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$19,680
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$32,198
In-state tuition
$14,760
$16,458
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$43,842
Application fee
$40
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$7,068
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$10,830
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$16,521
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$22,703
Over $110k
$21,403
$28,546
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
81%
Freshman retention
75%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$55,084
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$67,253
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
20%
First-generation students
29%
21%
International students
3%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Central Michigan University or Michigan State University harder to get into?
- Michigan State University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 90% at Central Michigan University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Central Michigan University or Michigan State University?
- Central Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,597 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,680 at Michigan State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University?
- Before aid, Central Michigan University costs about $30,681 a year and Michigan State University about $32,198. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central Michigan University or Michigan State University?
- Michigan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,068 there, against about $12,185 at Central Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Central Michigan University or Michigan State University?
- Michigan State University is the larger of the two, with about 40,922 undergraduates against 10,035 at Central Michigan University.
- Does Central Michigan University or Michigan State University have a better graduation rate?
- Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 60% at Central Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Central Michigan University or Michigan State University earn more?
- Michigan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,253 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,874 for Central Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central Michigan University and Michigan State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Michigan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and Michigan State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 1180–1360 at Michigan State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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