We are Fired Up and Focused
The excitement of discovery is what energizes us and gets us fired up about the future
- Dig In — Being a CMU student means finding your passion and using it to make a difference in the world. Our graduates step into careers with experience, an unmatched drive and confidence.
- Focused on Real-World Knowledge — Our students, faculty and alumni are known for finding innovative solutions to problems and putting them into practice. It’s what we focus on in the classroom, in student organizations and through leadership opportunities on and off campus.
- Learn to Lead in Life — We are the first and only four-year college in Michigan to offer a leadership minor, because we believe leadership is what drives success in your career, in your community and in life.
- Experience Small Class Sizes at a Large University — Our classes are intentionally small and mostly taught by our full-time professors. Nearly 90% of our classes have fewer than 40 students.
CMU Chippewas believe in setting the leadership standard in all we do. Every student has the chance to discover and develop their leadership, professional, and technical skills during their years at Central, and they go on to be visionaries and changemakers in the communities where they live and work.
94% of graduates are employed in their fields of study, or are pursuing advanced programs, within six months of graduating.
Through hands-on learning experiences, internships and research opportunities, you’ll begin to apply your knowledge as soon as you step onto campus. Because when we see an opportunity to make a difference, we don’t wait for someone else to step up. We do — because doing is in our DNA.
The great thing about Central is that to get involved you didn’t have to wait until you were a junior or a senior, you could get involved right away. I started working at the radio station, I was an orientation mentor, and then a campus ambassador. I just kept finding these opportunities that really enhanced me in so many different ways.
As a freshman you are put into roles where you can learn and develop your skills.
Now I have bigger roles, and am teaching new students what I have learned.
We learn about environmental stakeholders in class, but with Central Sustainability I actually get to interact with stakeholders. That's like something you would do with an environmental degree, like a master's, but we're able to do it now as undergraduates.
Time and Money Are Valuable — So Is a Degree from Central Michigan University. That Is Why We Keep Our Tuition Low.
The investment you make in your future and the education you get here will last a lifetime.
- One tuition rate for all students, regardless of whether you live in Michigan or any other state
- The smallest cumulative tuition increase for incoming undergraduate students of any public university in Michigan over the past 10 years
- $50+ million in scholarships awarded annually
- Approximately 85% of our students receive some form of financial assistance
- When you apply to CMU, you apply for our Maroon and Gold Merit Recognition Awards, which can help pay part of your yearly tuition — no scholarship application is necessary
$17.5 million for research and scholarly activity in 2020-21
2,000+ students participate in leadership programming each year
29,563 student volunteer hours in 2019-20, valued at more than $800,000 of service to our communities
High School Seniors: Don't Forget Your FAFSA
The national 2024-2025 FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now available. As part of the application process, we encourage high school seniors to fill out the FAFSA to help offset the cost of attending college.
Online & Everywhere
Accomplish your educational goals with challenging and engaging online courses through CMU Online. Our courses are offered in formats of 8, 12 or 16 weeks to fit into your busy schedule. Plus, you'll work closely with our supportive faculty and staff who are invested in your success.
Do On-Campus Living
Our Residential Communities have Student Success Centers where you can find free mental health services through our Care Advocate Program. Plus, we have Living Learning Communities where you can live alongside classmates who are passionate about the same academic interests.
Do Enjoy Every Meal
With access to three coffee shops, three food markets, two Mongolian-style grills, and restaurants in residence halls, you’ll have plenty of food options. Plus, we work to accommodate all food allergies and dietary guidelines, so you’ll have meals that fit your needs.
Do Participate
Our students have tons of opportunities to expand their skills and share their passions. There are nearly 350 student organizations at CMU. And through our Alternative Breaks program, students can participate in local, national and global direct-service experiences dedicated to social issues.
Do the Great Outdoors
Step outside and experience our 871-acre, park-like campus located in the heart of Michigan! Nearby, there are over 1,000 acres of parkland and trails for hiking and biking. Plus, the Chippewa River offers opportunities to fish, canoe, kayak and tube.
There’s so much to do here. Coming from a big city, I was nervous about what I was going to do in my free time. But there’s always something on campus to participate in. And I love how genuinely caring everyone is here.
See how we do at CMU. Our students will take you on a quick tour of our campus and facilities.