Central Michigan University combines accessible admission with above-average economic mobility outcomes. With 91% admission rates and graduates earning $5,758 above peer median, the institution demonstrates effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into career advancement across business, technology, and professional programs.
Solid long-term earnings that exceed expectations
Typical costs and debt levels for public institutions
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to similar institutions
The university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisOpportunity Builder with strong mobility outcomes
Central Michigan University demonstrates solid return on investment with controlled borrowing costs. Graduates earn a median of $55,874 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 60.0th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $1,499 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 61.7th percentile on this measure. Earnings range from $38,496 at the 25th percentile to $78,697 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across business, technology, and education programs.
Students seeking practical programs at an accessible public university with strong outcomes in business, technology, and communications. Well-suited for transfer students (32.5%) and working adults pursuing career-focused degrees.
Central Michigan's open access admission combined with above-average earnings makes it a solid choice for students prioritizing employment outcomes over selectivity.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Central Michigan University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/central-michigan-university/analysis.
Central Michigan University ranks #357 nationally, with mobility performance at the 88.0th percentile. Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission standards with a 91.0% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 30.6% Pell-eligible students and 29.3% first-generation students, positioning it as accessible to diverse student populations. Central Michigan serves 32.5% transfer students, reflecting its role as a destination for students continuing their education.
Graduates earn $1,499 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 61.7th percentile nationally. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years after enrollment, placing Central Michigan at the 60.0th percentile for long-term earnings.
Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $5,758 more annually. This combination of open admission, moderate access, and solid economic outcomes places Central Michigan within the Opportunity Builders category.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Central Michigan University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,470 annually, including $14,190 in tuition, $12,178 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $16,041 representing $10,429 in financial aid savings.
This net price falls $1,948 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating slightly higher costs than typical public institutions in Central Michigan's category. The cost structure reflects a balance between accessibility and resource investment, with financial aid targeting making higher education affordable for diverse student populations.
Net costs vary substantially by family income, ranging from $12,672 for the lowest-income students to $18,780 for highest-income families. This $6,108 difference demonstrates progressive pricing that concentrates aid on students with the greatest financial need.
Students should expect manageable costs relative to post-graduation earning potential, with debt-to-earnings ratios supporting long-term financial sustainability.
Central Michigan University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $46,567 six years after enrollment to $50,848 at eight years and $55,874 at ten years, representing 19.9% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on robust cohorts of 5,837 graduates at six years, 6,991 at eight years, and 7,424 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $1,499 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Central Michigan at the 61.7th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $40,100, demonstrating solid outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings span from $38,496 at the 25th percentile to $78,697 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 25.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions, Central Michigan graduates earn $5,758 more than the peer median of $50,116.
Central Michigan University maintains an open access admission policy, accepting 91.0% of applicants. This places the institution among the most accessible four-year universities, with roughly 9 out of every 10 applicants receiving admission offers.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Central Michigan is notably more accessible than typical public institutions in its category. This open access approach reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including transfer students, first-generation college students, and working adults seeking career advancement.
Students considering Central Michigan should expect a straightforward admission process where academic preparation matters more for success than for admission. The high acceptance rate means prospective students can focus on fit, program quality, and cost rather than admission uncertainty.
This accessibility creates opportunities for students who may not qualify for more selective institutions but are prepared to succeed in college-level work with appropriate support systems.
Computer Science.
61 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
24 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
48 graduates
Information Resources Management.
65 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
32 graduates
Central Michigan University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking. Computer Science ranks #111 nationally and #1 in Michigan, producing 61 graduates with median earnings of $89,004.
Information Resources Management ranks #14 nationally and #1 in Michigan, graduating 65 students with median earnings of $82,839 and a strong value score of 84.1. Digital Marketing ranks #20 nationally and #2 in Michigan, with 190 graduates earning $69,950 and an exceptional value score of 91.3.
Business Administration and Management represents the institution's largest program, graduating 354 students annually with median earnings of $64,881. Psychology ranks #114 nationally and #2 in Michigan, graduating 336 students with earnings of $43,964.
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology stands out with a national ranking of #9 and #1 in Michigan, producing 78 graduates with strong value scores.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
East Tennessee State University Similar quality tier (#358 ranked) | TN | 87% | $44,859 | #358 | Compare |
Augusta University Similar quality tier (#357 ranked) | GA | 89% | $48,472 | #357 | Compare |
Ramapo College Of New Jersey Similar quality tier (#354 ranked) | NJ | 73% | $67,541 | #354 | Compare |
Radford University Similar quality tier (#360 ranked) | VA | 91% | $53,739 | #360 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-La Crosse Similar quality tier in Midwest (#361 ranked) | WI | 73% | $60,378 | #361 | Compare |
