Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University. is a Public college. Located in Michigan, which is a city setting in Michigan, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 19,877 full time undergraduate students, and 6,109 full time graduate students.
The Central Michigan University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 22:1. There are 850 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Central Michigan University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
71%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
890-1140
ACT Range
20-25
Admissions at CMU are considered Selective, with ,143% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
76% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 40% were in the top quarter, and 14% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Central Michigan University.
4%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
30%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
45%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
47%
“I feel extremely safe”
13%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
49%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
54%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
13%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
14%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
31%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
75%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
8%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
44%
“We only party on weekends”
47%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
37%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
30%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
45%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
47%
“I feel extremely safe”
13%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
49%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
54%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
13%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
14%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
31%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
75%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
274 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
200 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
287 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
299 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
299 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
299 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
299 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
301 Students rated academics 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
Central Michigan University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Central Michigan University?
142 Students rated Central Michigan University
Emma
Prospective04/22/2025
As a high school student, I have chosen to attend Central Michigan University because they recognize and accept CTE program credits. Thanks to this, I will be able to have my English 101 credit waived and receive credit for some of my observation hours, helping me get a head start on my college journey. I’m incredibly grateful that my hard work in the cadet teaching program has been recognized by CMU, and I’m excited to continue pursuing my passion for education at a university that values my efforts!
Hayden
Prospective04/22/2025
I am interested in attending Central Michigan University because the moment I stepped foot there I fell in love. I took a tour back in November all by myself, and it was beautiful. I loved the dorms, the library, study rooms, lounge, recreational center, and the food.
I originally intended on going to Grand Valley State University, and was also just gorgeous. However, it was too expensive, and too far away from home. I plan on attending Kirtland Community College for their Associate's in Science and Arts Program, then transfer over to CMU for the Communications and Language Disorder Program. After earning my Bachelor's, I want to go on and receive my Master's for Speech Pathology. I chose CMU because it's the closest University to my home, I have past classmates that attend, and some of my family has attended Central as well. I've heard awesome things about Central, and would absolutely love to attend in the next few years!
Sydnee
04/15/2025
I really enjoyed the campus and the learning environments. I like how all students care about their major. The dorms have spaces where students can learn and the College of Education dorms are near the building which is a huge perk. You can even be on the same floor as someone in the same major.
Sia
Prospective04/04/2025
This college doesn't entirely stand out. I don't remember a specifics from this college, I remember that it was cool with some pretty nice opportunities.
Sophie
02/15/2025
I love Central Michigan University and have felt that this university has felt like my home. I have been very involved on campus and been able to participate in activities on and off campus. I have built long lasting friendships from this university. I want to further me education here and continue to grow as a student.
Abigail
12/27/2024
Central Michigan University is a wonderful college in Michigan. I have visited the college in aspirations of going there someday. Post-tour, I can see the college is very comforting for a small town girl like myself. The tour I attended was nothing but encouraging. I got a wonderful visual and feel for the campus; there are many trees, which for myself, is a grand bonus. The tour guide made it known that CMU is a incredibly involved in students extra curricular; from football games to squirrel club, there will always be something to amuse anyones attention. I was able to get a sneak peak of the culture on campus (students warned me to not step on the big emblem on campus or else I will fail my finals). The buildings were well maintained and kept up to date. Not to mention, CMU's athletic center was magnificent. They make it possible for students to partake in any sport they desire. Overall, I enjoyed touring CMU and I highly recommend others to do the same. Fire up chips!
Jaxen
04/30/2024
I think it is a very good school. Not too big of a campus and there are some very great people here. Lots of opportunities for help, getting involved, or fun. I find it a great place to further your learning and to live with others with plenty to do.
Carley
01/28/2024
Overall it's a great school with a great campus. There are so many opportunities in and out of class to learn or try something new. I enjoy that you can always meet new people or join new clubs. There is just always something to do or try. The food could maybe be better but it's not bad and the housing is pretty good.
Nevaeh
03/22/2023
I enjoy going to Central Michigan University. They have an excellent fashion program, and many career opportunities. I would say however, most of the job events at CMU (Central Michigan University) are geared towards the marketing and logistics profession, so it can be hard to find other jobs outside of those two. Another thing I would say is that CMU is remarkably diverse, and the students are kind. I have made more friendships within my first year than I did in high school, middle school, and elementary school. CMU also has plenty of resources for career preparation, such as free resume critiques, free professional outfits for interviews, meetings, or events, and even mock interviews! There is also free counseling for students, which I found extremely helpful during my first year. The campus size is decent, I could typically reach the opposite side of campus within 15-20 minutes while walking, and I could always cut through buildings to decrease the time. The academic structure of CMU is amazing, and always incorporates professional development into all courses. Many of the professors are extremely helpful and will accommodate your needs if you talk to them. The campus is also extremely safe. All buildings are equipped with a keycard scanner needed for entering buildings and authorized rooms. There are also many blue emergency lights around campus, so it’s an added layer of protection to students. Overall, I believe Central Michigan is a great college to go to, and there are many advantages and career opportunities in all fields within the university!
Camille
12/03/2020
I love CMU! I feel extremely comfortable on campus, the class sizes are great, and campus is the perfect size. There are a lot of parks and restaurants in Mount Pleasant so there is always something to do. Central Michigan makes it very easy to get involved even through a pandemic.
Jena
06/26/2020
I love it here! Everyone is fired up and there is lots of support from faculty members. In addition to that, there are many opportunities to get involved in a variety of interests. For example, there are many different events that are made to help students find the Registered Student Organization (RSO) that perfectly fits them! I would definitely recommend Central Michigan University.
Kailee
06/19/2020
I believe that Central Michigan University gives the appearance of being successful. In my personal opinion however, I have only had poor experiences when contacting their faculty. The university as a whole seems to be extremely money hungry. College course prices increase every year and I don't believe that the college allocates their resources adequately. A college semester of 12 credits should not cost $7,000 when almost all other countries offer free - or inexpensive - higher education.
karina
06/08/2020
I have loved Central Michigan University from the minute I toured the campus for the first time, to the day I moved out four years later. The professors and peers I have encountered, the classroom layout, the energy, and simply the culture of the university has brought me the greatest joy. My professors, mostly the ones teaching my core major classes, were extremely helpful throughout the entire process as well as helping me apply to graduate school. I met some of my best friends along the way to my degree. The classroom sizes were great. In the beginning of my college experience, the classroom sizes were larger and as I began taking classes for my majors, they decreased dramatically which made for better classroom discussion and better relationships with my professors and peers. The energy and culture was unmatched. I have been to other universities for varying reasons but CMU was always home to me. I would not have wanted to complete my undergraduate degree anywhere else.
Chad
04/02/2020
Overall, Central Michigan University was a fantastic choice of university to attend. All faculty members that I have encountered have been super nice, knowledgable, and understanding. I have made a good group of friends by getting involved and the food is really good. I would recommend joining an organization if you can. Try joining marching band if you are in band, it is super fun!
Tristan
03/03/2020
The school seems to meet my expectations for what college in a university would be like. I have met many different people and have gotten the chance to know some very cool professors. the school has proven to be a good school for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a college to attend.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Central Michigan University is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
If I could go back in time I would tell myself one thing and that's "Don't worry so much". I would explain to not worry about the future, because if you always focus on how things will be a year, five years, ten years down the road then you will never really be able to enjoy a moment. You will make plenty of new friends, your friends from home will do the same, so don't worry about losing them because you wont. You don't have to know what you're majoring in right from the start, it will all get figured out. Just understand that everything will change but eventually that change will become normal. All of the thoughts of uncertainty dissapear and you will realize that being happy is something that comes from within yourself, not from the kind of people you attract and get to know. Enjoy the moment, enjoy every day before you leave for school, enjoy feeling like a kid and being with your bestfriends everyday this summer, but don't be scared to leave. Change makes us who we are, everything works itself out if you put the effort in.
My classmates have all been welcoming. I feel they are all friendly and are in the same boat I am in. They are all up for making new friends and getting to know each individual personally.
This school is large enough to give a really good variety in education choices, yet small enough to have that home-town feel. The students/staff/faculty are very friendly and welcoming to everyone that comes here.
The most recent controversy was related to a student who hung nooses in one of the technical buildings (this was this past fall). He claimed it was a joke related to Halloween.
The main experience I'll always remember about CMU surround my time with Phi Sigma Sigma - the BEST sorority on campus!!
The education here at CMU is geared towards getting solid job opportunities once you leave. Internships are highly recommended, and greatly help in obtaining post-graduation jobs.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
People party here like they do at most any other University across the campus. Greek life is not as vast here as at other campuses, but the population is close and IS growing.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The thing that I found to be unique about my school compared to other schools is that contrary to the fact that my university is a Division One school meaning that our population is much larger than some yet also smaller than some other Division One schools it seems as if we are much more close knit like a family. Coming to the school I would not expect that because of the large size but I am grateful to attend a university where people treat you as if they are part of their own family.
While you learn a lot in your classes, it is not too overwhelming at the undergraduate level. The graduate level, however, is very demanding, but the professors do their job well preparing you for a career.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
A person should not attend this school if they don't want to be involved. Whether it be social or academic the involvement on this campus is apparent. Everyone is extremely spirited about going here and although there is some discrimination it's an overall friendly atmosphere. Students who shouldn't attend would be anyone who's prejudiced agains a native American tribe as the Chippewa culture is intertwined with that of the university.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The campus life is so freeing. You get to live on your own and make your own decisions all while meeting new people. Everyday is a new adventure you get to dive into. The campus at CMU is not boring at all; there is always something to experience, join, or enjoy!
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I would have known that there is really nothing to do outside of the campus. There is a Walmart and a Target that's in walking distance from the school and that's it.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about Central Michigan University would probably be that it's diverse but not diverse as it could be; my university lacks the blended cultures that it needs to help prepare many of the students to for the work force. Before coming to college much of my high school was mainly one race to by coming to college I thought I'd get the opportunity to make up for that yet my school lacks that and it is quite disappointing.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
The most common stereotype is that we're a party school for kids who weren't smart enough to go to Michigan State. Unfortunately, that does describe most of campus, but there are subgroups (Centralis Scholars, The Honors Program, The Leadership Institute, etc.) that disprove the stereotype.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
95% of students attending Central Michigan University receive some sort of financial aid.
34% were awarded federal grants.80%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
