Michigan State University (MSU) vs. Central Michigan University (CMU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to MSU or Central Michigan University (CMU)?“
Michigan State University (MSU)
Central Michigan University (CMU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Michigan State University (MSU) and Central Michigan University (CMU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Michigan State University (MSU) and Central Michigan University (CMU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Michigan State University (MSU) and Central Michigan University (CMU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Michigan State University (MSU) | Central Michigan University (CMU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $13,560 | $11,850 |
| Net Price | $16,788 | $14,509 |
| Average Financial Aid | $9,817 | $6,794 |
| Total Undergraduates | 38853 | 19954 |
| Average SAT Scores | 980 - 1260 | 900 - 1140 |
| Acceptance Rate | 66 | 69 |
| Location | N/A | 106 Warriner Hall |
| City Name | East Lansing | Mount Pleasant |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Central Michigan University (CMU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between East Lansing and Mount Pleasant. MSU is in a East North Central and Central Michigan University (CMU) is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Michigan State University (MSU) or Central Michigan University (CMU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Michigan State University (MSU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Michigan State University (MSU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Central Michigan University (CMU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do MSU Dorms Compare to housing Options at Central Michigan University (CMU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. MSU charges for on-campus living, while Central Michigan University (CMU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
MSU and Central Michigan University (CMU) student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Michigan State University (MSU), % | Central Michigan University (CMU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 67.42 | 78.75999999999999 |
| Hispanic | 4.04 | 3.83 |
| Black | 6.94 | 7.920000000000001 |
| Foreign | 12.98 | 1.9800000000000002 |
| Others | 8.6 | 7.5 |
How different is the Michigan State University (MSU) campus compared to Central Michigan University (CMU) campus?
The MSU campus is located in East Lansing, MI and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). The Central Michigan University (CMU) campus is located in Mount Pleasant, MI and is characterized as Town: Distant (in urban cluster more than 10 miles and up to 35 miles from an urbanized area).
Which school gives more financial aid?
MSU provides $9,817 whereas Central Michigan University (CMU) provides an average of $6,794.
How does MSU academics compare to Central Michigan University (CMU)?
When analyzing academics between Michigan State University (MSU) and Central Michigan University (CMU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | MSU | Central Michigan University (CMU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | 334 | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 133 | 60 |
| Architecture and related services | 23 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 10 | 4 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 1147 | 293 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 170 | 87 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 778 | 60 |
| Education | 239 | 267 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 279 | 61 |
Which is better: Michigan State University (MSU) or Central Michigan University (CMU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between MSU and Central Michigan University (CMU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does MSU social life compare to Central Michigan University (CMU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how MSU social life differs from Central Michigan University (CMU).
Check here.
Check here.