Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It is a mid-sized university with around 14,399 students, both undergraduate and graduate students. Admissions are moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of 91%. Some of the most popular majors offered here include Business, Education, and Psychology. CMU has a graduation rate of 62%. Graduates of CMU achieve a median starting salary of about $45,519 annually.
Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is a mid-sized institution with an enrollment of around 16,693 students, both graduate and undergraduate. Admissions are moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of 84.7%. Business, Health Professions, and Engineering are the most popular majors. WMU has a graduation rate of 58%. WMU graduates have a median starting salary of around $48,900 a year.
| Western Michigan University | Central Michigan University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.6 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1201 QS World University 2026 # 1201 QS World University 2025 # 1201 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 1001 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1401 QS World University 2026 # 1001 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -116 PG Programs -44 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -77 PG Programs -28 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85.0 % | 91.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 PTE-54 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1010 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16927 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16448 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 18936 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 15300 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 18068 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | About nine out of 10 Western grads, they got a job or got into that graduate school program shortly after graduation. 91% of recent graduates working full time said they were satisfied with their job, earning a median salary of $55,000–$65,000. Some of the top employers of the university are: Amazon, Google, Pfizer, General Motors, Bronson, Delta Airlines, Kelloggs, Target etc. | Some of the program and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Science: $100,000 Bachelor of Arts: $77,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit supplemental documents Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.3/10 Read 1 reviews | 8.3/10 Read 8 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160GRE - 296/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 48/90TOEFL - 80/120 | GMAT - 450/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18994 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| application dates | Dec 15, 2023 (Early Action Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Jan 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake Round 2) Jun 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake Round 1) | Oct 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Western Michigan University | Central Michigan University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1903 | 1892 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1:1 | 16:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 0% Female | 43% Male, 57% Female |
| Location Facts | WMU's campuses encompass more than 1,200 acres and roughly 150 buildings. Western Michigan University is divided into five campuses in and near Kalamazoo: West Campus | The main campus is located at S. Franklin, St. Mount Pleasant, Michighan. The college of medicine has two campuses at Mount Pleasant and Saginaw. |
| Library | Western Michigan University Libraries is dedicated to helping you discover, explore and shape the information universe. Libraries provide a wide range of resources, programs and services that support the research, creative and academic pursuits of WMU and the global community. | The University Library and the Clarke Historical Library are both located in the Park Library building on CMU's main campus in Mount Pleasant. Renovated in 2002, the magnificent building houses physical collections including books, periodicals, government documents, microforms, maps and videos. Users may access the Libraries’ online collections on- or off-campus, including at one of 300+ public computers in the Park Library. |
| Campus Life | Western Michigan has more than 300 registered student organizations. Students are welcomed to school each year with "Bronco Bash", an event with live entertainment performances and booths sponsored by student and community organizations. On-campus housing provides 23 residence halls and special interest housing for students in programs such as the honors college, aviation, business community, engineering and applied sciences. The Campus Activities Board is the main student organization responsible for bringing entertainment events for students. The organization sponsors concerts, comedians, special events, and "Miller Movies," presented at the school's main theater, Miller Auditorium. The Western Michigan Broncos are a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision school. They compete in the Mid-American Conference in men's basketball, baseball, football, soccer and tennis; and women's basketball, cross-country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. The men's hockey team competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. | With students from all over the country, world and all walks of life, the Central Michigan community is diverse, tight-knit and active. Students can be involved in different activities like catching one of the university’s 15 Division 1AA athletic teams in competition. Students can join one of 300 student organizations—or start a new one. Students can Play intramural sports, join a Greek-lettered organization or participate in the nationally-ranked Alternative Break program offered through the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. Take advantage of the university’s connection with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe by experiencing the annual Celebrating Life Pow wow. Check out a music or theatrical performance or find fun and surprises in downtown Mt. Pleasant. |
| Hostel | - | #Off campus (not with family) - $7394 #Off campus (with family) - $938 #On campus - $9736 |
| Famous Alumni | Tim Allen, actor | U.S. representative Dan Kildee U.S. representative Brenda Lawrence 62nd governor of Kentucky Matt Bevin Former NBA All-Star and coach of the Grand Canyon Antelopes Dan Majerle Anthony Zinni, United States Marine Corps general |
| City Life | Kalamazoo is as fun and quirky as its unusual name suggests. Its theaters, museums and live music venues make the city an arts and culture hot spot, and its craft brewery scene attracts visitors from around the region. Community events such as chili cook-offs, vintage fairs and farmers markets make this metro area a place where residents never find themselves without something to do. Shoppers can explore the Kalamazoo Mall, the nation’s first outdoor pedestrian mall, or The Crossroads in Portage. Hiking trails and green space throughout the area, including Asylum Lake Preserve and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, provide recreation opportunities for nature lovers. The local arts scene in Kalamazoo is thriving. The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo hosts Art Hop, a free event displaying the work of local artists all around downtown, once a month. One draw of Kalamazoo and the nearby city of Portage is that the median housing cost is below the national average. Income and sales taxes in Michigan also are relatively low. At the same time, though, the average household income falls below the national average. | Life is different in Mount Pleasant. Here, you can start your day sipping morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the harbor. Then, it’s time to get moving! Run or bike over the famous bridge or in one of our beautiful parks. In the afternoon, sneak away to the beach or go on a shopping expedition to get the ultimate Lowcountry look. In the evening, travel to Shem Creek by water and enjoy nationally-recognized cuisine and unforgettable views. Get in on the local action, and discover Mount Pleasant’s magic. In Mount Pleasant,the quality of life is high because of its abundant parks, water access, close proximity to beaches and laid-back atmosphere. But the reasons go even deeper. With the mild climate, nationally-recognized public schools, low crime rate and cultural amenities, citizens are afforded an idyllic community with Charleston charm and a coastal lifestyle. Whether your favorite part is wearing flip flops year-round, or the ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, living in Mount Pleasant is truly amazing. |
| Weather |
Central Michigan University vs Western Michigan University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research institution based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Founded in 1892, CMU has more than 200 academic programs in various disciplines, such as business, education, health professions, among others. CMU has a student body of around 14,399 and provides a broad education that enables students to make successful careers and lifelong learning. CMU is especially known for education and psychology programs, with an emphasis on practical training and applied learning.
Western Michigan University (WMU), established in 1903, is another public research university, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. WMU has over 150 undergraduate majors in fields including business, engineering, aviation, and health professions. WMU focuses on experience-based learning opportunities, such as internships and applied research, to enable students to enter professional careers. WMU is particularly prominent in its offerings of aviation and engineering, being rated among the best nationally in aviation and offering high concentrations of applied sciences.
General Information
CMU's campus measures 480 acres and provides a smaller, more community-oriented setting. Its student population consists of 13% male, 17% female, and 2% international students, which creates a tight-knit scholarly community. WMU, on the other hand, is situated on a 1,300-acre campus in Kalamazoo and offers a bigger and more diverse campus life. Its population consists of 8% male, 14% female, and 4% international students, which makes for rich urban campus life.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The admissions at CMU are relatively competitive with an acceptance rate of 91%. The average SAT for admitted students is between 960 and 1210, ACT is between 21 and 27, and the average GPA is 3.47. CMU is test-optional and carries an application fee of $40, which makes it a bit more open to both domestic and international students. WMU has a 84.7% acceptance rate, with an average SAT of 990 to 1220, ACT of 20 to 27, and average GPA of 3.5. WMU is also test-optional and has the same $40 application fee.
Location Facts
The environments and lifestyles of the two universities vary. CMU is situated in Mount Pleasant, a small rural community providing a peaceful, student-centered setting with some outdoor activities like the Chippewa River. WMU, on the other hand, is found in Kalamazoo, a small city with greater urban lifestyle, cultural offerings such as the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and closeness to Grand Rapids, some 50 miles away. Mount Pleasant is a good fit for students wanting an intimate community, whereas Kalamazoo provides a more energetic urban environment.
Cost & Financial Aid
The cost of going to CMU is negligibly less than WMU. On-campus rooms at CMU are $12,178 per year, while off-campus rooms average $600–$900 per month. Grants are awarded to 95% of students, with an average of $10,638, bringing the net price down to $15,826. WMU's on-campus cost is $12,148, with off-campus between $700 and $1,000 a month. 91% of students receive grants, which average $8,217, and the net price is $20,183. CMU is thus overall more affordable for foreign students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Career destinations and graduate success vary across the universities. CMU graduates have a median salary at graduation of $44,500, with 80% being employed within six months, mostly in education and local business fields. WMU graduates have a median salary at graduation of $48,900, with 78% being employed within six months, dominating areas of aviation, engineering, and health professions, frequently hired by top employers like Boeing and Bronson Healthcare.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both institutions possess robust research facilities. CMU's Park Library contains 1.2 million books, and its College of Education and Human Services offers specialized materials to students, whereas the tight campus facilitates individualized learning. WMU's Waldo Library contains 1.3 million items, and the university boasts specialized centers like the College of Aviation. Its larger campus can host a larger number of research programs and academic activities.
CMU is best for education and social science students who prefer a smaller, community-oriented setting with an improved acceptance rate and lower net price. WMU suits engineering, aviation, or health profession students best, providing greater starting salaries, excellent industry connections, and a bigger, more diverse campus.
