Central Michigan University vs Saginaw Valley State University
Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI. Saginaw Valley State University is a public university in University Center, MI. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants and Central Michigan University about 90%, making Saginaw Valley State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,775 a year at Saginaw Valley State University after aid, and about $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 60% of students graduate at Central Michigan University, compared with 51% at Saginaw Valley State University. Ten years after enrolling, Central Michigan University alumni earn a median of about $55,874, against $51,955 for Saginaw Valley State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
University Center, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,035
5,989
Acceptance rate
90%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
920–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
18–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$10,775
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$24,936
In-state tuition
$14,760
$12,930
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$30,450
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$9,844
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$19,711
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$20,053
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$18,879
Over $110k
$21,403
$24,103
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
51%
Freshman retention
75%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$43,530
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$51,955
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
35%
First-generation students
29%
33%
International students
3%
3%
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 Saginaw Valley State University harder to get into?
- Saginaw Valley State University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
- Saginaw Valley State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,775 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
- Before aid, Saginaw Valley State University costs about $24,936 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
- Saginaw Valley State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,844 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
- Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 5,989 at Saginaw Valley State University.
- Does Central Michigan University or Saginaw Valley State University have a better graduation rate?
- Central Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 51% at Saginaw Valley State University.
- Do graduates of Central Michigan University or Saginaw Valley State University earn more?
- Central Michigan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,955 for Saginaw Valley State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saginaw Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 920–1170 at Saginaw Valley State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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