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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,470 |
| Tuition and Fees | $14,190 |
| Room and Board | $12,178 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,429 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,041 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,672 |
| $30–48k | $11,638 |
| $48–75k | $14,182 |
| $75–110k | $17,215 |
| $110k+ | $18,780 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Central Michigan University graduates carry median debt of $27,000, which ranks at the 4th percentile nationally, indicating higher debt levels than most institutions. The debt distribution ranges from $9,326 at the 25th percentile to $31,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
Compared to peer institutions, Central Michigan graduates carry $5,895 more debt than the peer median of $21,105. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 indicates that graduates typically carry debt equivalent to 48% of their annual income, which falls within manageable ranges for loan repayment.
Parent PLUS loans show median borrowing of $18,302 with monthly payments of $241, providing context for family borrowing patterns. While debt levels exceed peer institutions, the combination with above-average earnings creates sustainable financial outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Central Michigan University delivers solid return on educational investment through above-average earnings combined with manageable debt levels. Graduates earn $1,499 beyond expectations, ranking at the 61.7th percentile nationally for value-added outcomes.
With median earnings of $55,874, graduates earn $5,758 more than the peer median of $50,116, demonstrating strong post-graduation earning potential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to income capacity.
While debt levels of $27,000 exceed peer institutions by $5,895, the earnings premium of $5,758 annually helps offset higher borrowing costs over time. Return performance at the 62.8th percentile reflects above-average outcomes when balancing earnings against educational costs.
Central Michigan University demonstrates solid commitment to affordability through substantial financial aid provision. The institution delivers $10,429 in average financial aid savings, reducing the published cost from $26,470 to a net price of $16,041.
This represents 39.4% cost reduction through aid, indicating significant institutional investment in accessibility. The 30.6% Pell share shows substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families, with aid systems designed to support this population.
Financial aid targeting concentrates resources on students with the greatest need, as evidenced by the progressive net price structure across income levels. Students from families earning under $48,000 receive the most substantial aid, paying between $11,638-$12,672 annually.
