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Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University are both public institutions — Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI and Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Mount Pleasant, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 89.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,035
Tuition: $14,760/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 58.7%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Mount Pleasant, MI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
Marquette, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 84.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,556
Tuition: $19,773/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 52.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Marquette, MI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Central Michigan University | Northern Michigan University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 89.8% | 84.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 960–1200 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–27 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,035 | 6,556 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $14,760/year | $19,773/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,597 | $14,085 |
| Graduation rate | 58.7% | 52.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $55,874 | $47,107 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Mount Pleasant, MI | Marquette, MI |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Psychology | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences |
Northern Michigan University is more selective (84.0% vs 89.8% acceptance rate). Northern Michigan University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,085 vs $17,597). Central Michigan University reports the higher graduation rate (58.7% vs 52.1%). Central Michigan University is the larger undergraduate campus (10,035 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University
Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 89.8%; Northern Michigan University is around 84.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Central Michigan University tuition is $14,760/year. Northern Michigan University is $19,773/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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