UM-Dearborn vs CMU-Mount Pleasant

When it comes to higher education in Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn and Central Michigan University stand out as two prominent choices. While both offer a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. With University of Michigan-Dearborn boasting a higher acceptance rate and a focus on engineering and business, and Central Michigan University offering a more comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the choice between these two institutions largely depends on individual preferences and academic aspirations. Explore our detailed comparison table to discover more about their differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your educational goals and aspirations.

	Central Michigan University	University of Michigan-Dearborn
Overview
Location	Mount Pleasant, Michigan	Dearborn, Michigan
Campus setting	Town: Distant	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	77.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	77.1%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50	$60
SAT range	1010 - 1220	1050 - 1300
ACT range	20 - 26	22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	57.0%	58.0%
Students submitting ACT score	10.0%	7.0%
Total number of applicants	18,517	8,065
Total number of admissions given out	14,273	5,546
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,910	1,084
Yield rate	13.4%	19.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$24,600	In state: $27,552 Out of state: $41,784
Average net price	$16,880	$11,818
Tuition	$12,750	In state: $13,416 Out of state: $27,648
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,400 Meal plan: $5,520
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $10,288	87.0% Average amount $10,899
Students receiving federal student loan	78.0% Average amount $5,874	31.0% Average amount $4,861
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $8,007	3.0% Average amount $12,857

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,417 Men 39.3% Women 60.7%	6,355 Men 53.6% Women 46.4%
Graduate students	4,007 Men 39.5% Women 60.5%	1,976 Men 61.2% Women 38.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	9.3%	1.6%
International students	3.4%	8.9%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	5,514	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Michigan Illinois Ohio Indiana Wisconsin	Michigan Florida California Indiana Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Education Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	61.7%	56.3%
Dropout rate	33.7%	11.5%
Transferred out	N/A	27.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,045 Year 2: $113,135 Year 3: $114,375 International Business (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,008 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $81,586 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,477 Year 2: $74,367 Year 3: $81,249 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,333 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $79,688 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,978 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $78,210 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $66,347 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $77,569 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,306 Year 2: $66,105 Year 3: $76,690 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,535 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $74,567 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,154 Year 2: $70,875 Year 3: $73,884 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,490 Year 2: $63,799 Year 3: $73,873	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,849 Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: $121,452 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,476 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $94,412 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,680 Year 2: $77,464 Year 3: $88,869 Computer Programming (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,925 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,448 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,006 Year 2: $80,486 Year 3: $85,289 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,051 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $81,239 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,541 Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $77,316 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,918 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,693 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $74,483 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,109 Year 2: $62,508 Year 3: $66,466

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) and Central Michigan University (CMU)?

UM-Dearborn is a smaller, more focused campus primarily serving the Metro Detroit area, known for its strong engineering and business programs and close ties to the automotive industry. CMU, located in Mount Pleasant, is a larger, more comprehensive university with a broader range of programs and a more traditional residential campus experience. CMU also has a stronger emphasis on education and human services.
Which university is larger, UM-Dearborn or CMU?

Central Michigan University (CMU) is significantly larger than University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn). CMU has a larger student body and a more expansive campus.
Where are UM-Dearborn and CMU located?

UM-Dearborn is located in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a mid-sized city in the central part of the state.
Which university is better known for its engineering programs?

UM-Dearborn is generally considered to have a stronger reputation for its engineering programs, particularly in areas related to the automotive industry, due to its location and partnerships with local companies.
Which university is better known for its education programs?

Central Michigan University (CMU) has a long-standing and well-regarded reputation for its education programs. It's a popular choice for students pursuing careers in teaching and related fields.
What is the campus environment like at UM-Dearborn compared to CMU?

UM-Dearborn has a more commuter-focused campus environment, with a significant portion of students living off-campus. CMU offers a more traditional residential campus experience, with a greater emphasis on on-campus housing and student life activities.
How do the tuition costs compare between UM-Dearborn and CMU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency and program of study. Generally, UM-Dearborn may have slightly lower tuition for in-state students, but it's essential to check the most current tuition rates on each university's website for an accurate comparison based on your specific circumstances.
Which university offers more online programs?

Central Michigan University (CMU) generally offers a wider variety of online programs compared to UM-Dearborn. CMU has invested heavily in its online learning infrastructure.
What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

Both UM-Dearborn and CMU offer a variety of student activities and organizations, including clubs, sports, and Greek life. CMU, being a larger university, typically has a broader range of options available. UM-Dearborn, while smaller, still provides ample opportunities for student involvement, often with a focus on professional development and community engagement.
Which university has stronger connections to the automotive industry?

UM-Dearborn has stronger connections to the automotive industry due to its location in the Detroit metropolitan area, the historical center of the American automotive industry. This provides students with unique internship and career opportunities.
How do the admission requirements compare between UM-Dearborn and CMU?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program. Generally, both universities consider GPA, standardized test scores (if required), and extracurricular activities. CMU may have slightly less stringent admission requirements overall, but it's best to check the specific requirements for your desired program on each university's website.
Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

Both universities offer research opportunities for students. CMU, as a larger university with more graduate programs, may have a wider range of research opportunities available. However, UM-Dearborn's smaller size can sometimes lead to more personalized research experiences with faculty.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at UM-Dearborn and CMU?

Both UM-Dearborn and CMU offer a variety of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The specific types and amounts of aid available will depend on your individual financial situation and academic merit. It's recommended to visit the financial aid websites of both universities to explore the available options and application processes.
Which university is more diverse?

Both universities strive for diversity. UM-Dearborn, being located in a more urban and diverse area, tends to have a more diverse student body overall. However, CMU is actively working to increase diversity on its campus.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.