Acceptance Rate
90%
Avg. SAT
1200
75th percentile
“Mount Pleasant's spirited public university where Firebirds fuel school spirit amid hands-on training in teaching, health, and aviation.”
Mount Pleasant, MI
Location
Town
Campus Setting
Central Michigan University traces its roots to 1892, when it opened as a teachers college in a rural Michigan town, evolving into a comprehensive public institution serving over 12,000 undergraduates. Students who thrive here tend to embrace tight-knit communities, enthusiastic athletics, and practical career prep, drawn to the friendly, low-key vibe of a mid-sized campus. Mount Pleasant offers a quiet, safe small-town setting with forests and lakes nearby, but the remote location means you'll drive an hour or more for bigger cities like Grand Rapids, and winters bring heavy snow that can isolate the campus.
Photo Gallery
+13
+5
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
CMU shines in education, where it prepares a large share of Michigan's teachers through programs blending classroom practice with real school placements; health professions like physician assisting and nursing also stand out, often with clinical rotations starting early. You'll encounter large lectures in introductory gen-ed courses typical of public universities, but upper-level classes shrink for more discussion, and research opportunities open up for motivated students in labs or community projects. Competitive entry marks some high-demand majors like business or aviation, where hands-on flight training at the university's own airport sets it apart.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
10,193 undergrad • 4,295 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
67%
Black / African American
8%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
18%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Mount Pleasant, MI
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus pulses with Fire Up Chips chants at packed football games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium, fueling a lively social scene anchored by Greek life, intramurals, and over 300 clubs from outdoorsy hiking groups to broadcasting stations. A typical week mixes classes, study sessions in dorms, and weekend tailgates or bonfires, with residential halls fostering freshman bonds through themed floors and events. The small-town feel keeps things relaxed but can feel sleepy if you crave urban nightlife, and the high cost of heating bills in old apartments reflects harsh Upper Midwest weather.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mid-American Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
75%
4 Years Graduation Rate
44%
6 Years Graduation Rate
66%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$55,874
75% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Central Michigan University and return in the fall. 44% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 66% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
44%
4-5 years
22%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
33%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$13,253
Acceptance
90%
Undergrads
10,193
4-Year Grad Rate
44%
Endowment
$245M
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859