Skip to content

Central Michigan University vs Michigan Technological University

Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI, and Michigan Technological University is a public university in Houghton, MI. Central Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 90% of applicants against 92% at Michigan Technological University. Michigan Technological University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,182 a year against $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 68% of students graduate at Michigan Technological University, compared with 60% at Central Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Michigan Technological University alumni earn a median of about $78,198, against $55,874 for Central Michigan University.

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
Houghton, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,035
5,955
Acceptance rate
90%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
1130–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$14,182
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$34,152
In-state tuition
$14,760
$19,123
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$42,988
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$2,045
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$3,373
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$6,187
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$12,813
Over $110k
$21,403
$23,107
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
68%
Freshman retention
75%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$69,672
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$78,198
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,990
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
20%
First-generation students
29%
19%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central Michigan University or Michigan Technological University harder to get into?
Central Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 92% at Michigan Technological 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 Technological University?
Michigan Technological University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,182 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,597 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central Michigan University and Michigan Technological University?
Before aid, Central Michigan University costs about $30,681 a year and Michigan Technological University about $34,152. 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 Technological University?
Michigan Technological University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,045 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 Technological University?
Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 5,955 at Michigan Technological University.
Does Central Michigan University or Michigan Technological University have a better graduation rate?
Michigan Technological University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 60% at Central Michigan University.
Do graduates of Central Michigan University or Michigan Technological University earn more?
Michigan Technological University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,198 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 Technological University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Michigan Technological University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and Michigan Technological University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 1130–1350 at Michigan Technological University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school