In this article, we will compare two well-known educational institutions, Central Michigan University (CMU) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). By examining various factors such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes, prospective students can make an informed decision about which university best suits their needs and preferences.
Central Michigan University Overview
Central Michigan University, located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is a public research university founded in 1892. With over 19,000 students enrolled in various undergraduate and graduate programs, CMU offers a diverse and engaging academic environment. The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, and health sciences.
Central Michigan University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students at CMU is approximately $24,120 for in-state students and $37,000 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Central Michigan University Admissions
Admission to CMU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 70%. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.4, while the average ACT and SAT scores are 23 and 1090, respectively.
Central Michigan University Degrees Offered
CMU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study. Some of the most popular majors include business, education, health professions, and communication and journalism.
Central Michigan University Academics
The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, providing personalized attention and support for students. With a four-year graduation rate of 29% and a six-year graduation rate of 59%, CMU has a strong focus on student success and academic achievement.
Central Michigan University Diversity
CMU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is composed of 71% White, 13% African American, 4% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and 10% other or unknown ethnicities.
Central Michigan University Students
The university offers a variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities, including Greek life, clubs, intramural sports, and leadership programs. Students can also take advantage of the university’s recreational facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor recreation areas.
Central Michigan University Campus
CMU’s campus spans 480 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and residence halls. The campus is also home to a variety of dining options, a bookstore, and a university center with various amenities.
Central Michigan University Alumni
Notable CMU alumni include actor and comedian Terry Crews, Olympic gold medalist Dan Majerle, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eric Eyre.
Central Michigan University Rankings
CMU is ranked #249 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #153 in Top Public Schools.
Central Michigan University Outcomes
The average starting salary for CMU graduates is $38,000, with a mid-career salary of $71,000. The university’s career services department provides resources and support for students seeking internships, co-op opportunities, and post-graduation employment.
University of Illinois Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, located in Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, is a public research university founded in 1867. With over 47,000 students enrolled in various undergraduate and graduate programs, UIUC is known for its top-ranked engineering, computer science, and business programs.
University of Illinois Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students at UIUC is approximately $30,500 for in-state students and $50,000 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
University of Illinois Admissions
Admission to UIUC is considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.85, while the average ACT and SAT scores are 29 and 1350, respectively.
University of Illinois Degrees Offered
UIUC offers over 150 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate programs across various fields of study. Some of the most popular majors include engineering, business, social sciences, and biological sciences.
University of Illinois Academics
The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, similar to CMU. With a four-year graduation rate of 71% and a six-year graduation rate of 85%, UIUC has a strong focus on student success and academic achievement.
University of Illinois Diversity
UIUC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is composed of 51% White, 21% Asian, 6% Hispanic, and 5% African American.
University of Illinois Students
The university offers a variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities, including Greek life, clubs, intramural sports, and leadership programs. Students can also take advantage of the university’s recreational facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor recreation areas.
University of Illinois Campus
UIUC’s campus spans 4,552 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and residence halls. The campus is also home to a variety of dining options, a bookstore, and a university center with various amenities.
University of Illinois Alumni
Notable UIUC alumni include actor Nick Offerman, YouTube co-founder Steve Chen, and Nobel Prize-winning physicist John Bardeen.
University of Illinois Rankings
UIUC is ranked #82 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #34 in Top Public Schools.
University of Illinois Outcome
The average starting salary for UIUC graduates is $62,000, with a mid-career salary of $108,000. The university’s career services department provides resources and support for students seeking internships, co-op opportunities, and post-graduation employment.
Central Michigan University vs University of Illinois Cost Comparison
While both universities have different costs and tuition rates, it is important to consider the return on investment when comparing the two. CMU’s cost of attendance is lower, especially for in-state students, but UIUC graduates tend to have higher starting and mid-career salaries. Additionally, UIUC offers more financial aid opportunities, potentially offsetting the higher cost for some students.
Central Michigan University vs University of Illinois Admissions Difficulty
UIUC has a more competitive admissions process, with a lower acceptance rate and higher average GPA and test scores for admitted students. For students seeking a more selective university, UIUC may be the better choice; however, CMU’s moderately selective admissions process may be more accessible to a wider range of applicants.
Central Michigan University vs University of Illinois Academic Difficulty
While both universities offer rigorous academic programs, UIUC’s top-ranked engineering, computer science, and business programs may present a greater challenge for students pursuing degrees in these fields. However, CMU offers a diverse range of programs with strong focuses in education and health professions.
Central Michigan University vs University of Illinois Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, UIUC graduates tend to have higher starting and mid-career salaries than CMU graduates. The university’s strong focus on career services and resources may contribute to these higher salary outcomes. However, CMU also offers valuable resources and support for students seeking internships, co-op opportunities, and post-graduation employment.
