Central Michigan University vs Northern Michigan University
Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI, and Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, MI. Northern Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% of applicants against 90% at Central Michigan University. Northern Michigan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,085 a year against $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 60% of students graduate at Central Michigan University, compared with 52% at Northern Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Central Michigan University alumni earn a median of about $55,874, against $47,107 for Northern Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
Marquette, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,035
6,556
Acceptance rate
90%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
970–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$14,085
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$27,841
In-state tuition
$14,760
$14,277
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$19,773
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$7,697
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$7,185
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$11,051
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$16,324
Over $110k
$21,403
$22,268
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
52%
Freshman retention
75%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$37,996
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$47,107
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,474
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
28%
First-generation students
29%
28%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 Northern Michigan University harder to get into?
- Northern Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 84% 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Northern Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,085 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Before aid, Northern Michigan University costs about $27,841 a year and Central Michigan University about $30,681. 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Northern Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,697 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 6,556 at Northern Michigan University.
- Does Central Michigan University or Northern Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Central Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 52% at Northern Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Central Michigan University or Northern Michigan University earn more?
- Central Michigan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,107 for Northern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Michigan University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 970–1190 at Northern Michigan 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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