Central Michigan University vs University of Michigan-Dearborn
Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI. University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university in Dearborn, MI. University of Michigan-Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants and Central Michigan University about 90%, making University of Michigan-Dearborn the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,492 a year at University of Michigan-Dearborn after aid, and about $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 60% of students graduate at Central Michigan University, compared with 57% at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Ten years after enrolling, University of Michigan-Dearborn alumni earn a median of about $59,649, against $55,874 for Central Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
Dearborn, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,035
5,952
Acceptance rate
90%
56%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
990–1255
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$9,492
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$24,040
In-state tuition
$14,760
$15,640
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$32,896
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$7,211
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$6,284
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$7,997
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$13,630
Over $110k
$21,403
$17,529
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
57%
Freshman retention
75%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$50,389
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$59,649
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
46%
First-generation students
29%
38%
International students
3%
4%
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 University of Michigan-Dearborn harder to get into?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn is harder to get into. It admits about 56% 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,492 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn?
- Before aid, University of Michigan-Dearborn costs about $24,040 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,211 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn?
- Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 5,952 at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
- Does Central Michigan University or University of Michigan-Dearborn have a better graduation rate?
- Central Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 57% at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
- Do graduates of Central Michigan University or University of Michigan-Dearborn earn more?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,649 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Michigan-Dearborn is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and University of Michigan-Dearborn look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 990–1255 at University of Michigan-Dearborn. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Central Michigan University vs Saginaw Valley State UniversityCentral Michigan University vs Eastern Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University vs Northern Michigan UniversityUniversity of Michigan-Dearborn vs Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity of Michigan-Dearborn vs Eastern Michigan UniversityUniversity of Michigan-Dearborn vs Northern Michigan University
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