Schools Like Central Michigan (2025)

If Central Michigan University Is a Reach

Given Central Michigan's 91% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most qualified applicants, making backup options less critical than at selective institutions.

Geographic Alternatives

Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.

Michigan residents should consider Ferris State University (80.6% acceptance, $54,735 earnings) 36 miles away, or Grand Valley State University (94.7% acceptance, $56,118 earnings) 71 miles away for similar program offerings and outcomes.

Ferris State University• MI

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Same state (36 miles away) with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus; same institution type

Accept Rate81%

Earnings$54,735

Rank#240

Similarly Selective Peers

Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.

For comparable admission rates, Western Michigan University (84.7% acceptance, $53,562 earnings) offers similar programs 100 miles away, while Grand Valley State University (94.7% acceptance, $56,118 earnings) provides slightly higher earnings 71 miles away.

Baker College• MI

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Similar admission rate (3.5 percentage points difference) and similar test scores (19 point difference) with similar program focus; located 52 miles away

Accept Rate88%

Earnings$35,833

Rank#1514

Peer Institutions

Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi• TX

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Similar quality tier (#352 ranked)

Schools Similar to Central Michigan University: Questions & Comparisons

Western Michigan University is more selective with a 85% acceptance rate, compared to 91% for Central Michigan University. Both schools offer strong outcomes, making them good options depending on your profile.

Central Michigan University's peer institutions include Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Baker College. These schools have similar selectivity, student profiles, and academic outcomes.

Use Azimuth's alternatives tool to find schools with similar outcomes but lower net prices than Central Michigan University's $14,182.

Colleges near Central Michigan University in MI include Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University.

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