Central Michigan University vs Oakland University
Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI. Oakland University is a public university in Rochester Hills, MI. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants and Central Michigan University about 90%, making Oakland University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,120 a year at Oakland University after aid, and about $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 60% of students graduate at Central Michigan University, compared with 57% at Oakland University. Ten years after enrolling, Oakland University alumni earn a median of about $58,612, against $55,874 for Central Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
Rochester Hills, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,035
12,351
Acceptance rate
90%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
1030–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
21–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$9,120
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$25,182
In-state tuition
$14,760
$15,262
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$23,188
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$4,422
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$4,560
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$6,711
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$11,874
Over $110k
$21,403
$19,217
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
57%
Freshman retention
75%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$49,017
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$58,612
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
32%
First-generation students
29%
32%
International students
3%
2%
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 Oakland University harder to get into?
- Oakland University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% 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 Oakland University?
- Oakland University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,120 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 Oakland University?
- Before aid, Oakland University costs about $25,182 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 Oakland University?
- Oakland University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,422 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 Oakland University?
- Oakland University is the larger of the two, with about 12,351 undergraduates against 10,035 at Central Michigan University.
- Does Central Michigan University or Oakland University have a better graduation rate?
- Central Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 57% at Oakland University.
- Do graduates of Central Michigan University or Oakland University earn more?
- Oakland University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,612 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 Oakland University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Oakland University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and Oakland University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 1030–1230 at Oakland 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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