In this article, we will be comparing Purdue University-West Lafayette and Central Michigan University to help students make an informed decision when choosing a university. We will analyze various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes.
Purdue-West Lafayette Overview
Purdue University-West Lafayette is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869, Purdue is known for its engineering, business, and science programs. With over 200 undergraduate majors, Purdue offers a wide range of degree options for its nearly 45,000 students.
Purdue-West Lafayette Costs & Tuition
As a public university, Purdue offers affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students can expect to pay around $10,030 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $29,132 per year. Room and board costs are approximately $10,030 per year.
Purdue-West Lafayette Admissions
Admission to Purdue is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 60%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1190-1440, while the middle 50% ACT range is 25-33.
Purdue-West Lafayette Degrees Offered
Purdue offers over 200 undergraduate majors, with popular programs including engineering, business, and science. Students can choose from a variety of degree options, with the College of Engineering being the largest and most renowned.
Purdue-West Lafayette Academics
Purdue is recognized for its strong engineering and science programs, with a focus on research and innovation. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, providing students with personalized attention and opportunities for engagement.
Purdue-West Lafayette Diversity
Purdue has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and over 130 countries. About 60% of the students are white, 21% are international, and the rest are from various minority backgrounds.
Purdue-West Lafayette Students
With nearly 45,000 students, Purdue has a vibrant and active student community. Students can participate in over 1,000 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to recreational and social clubs.
Purdue-West Lafayette Campus
Purdue’s campus spans over 2,468 acres, featuring modern educational facilities, research centers, and recreational spaces. The university also offers various housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and cooperative housing.
Purdue-West Lafayette Alumni
Purdue boasts a strong alumni network, with notable alumni including astronaut Neil Armstrong, popcorn magnate Orville Redenbacher, and former Indiana governor Mitch Daniels.
Purdue-West Lafayette Rankings
Purdue is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Purdue is ranked 53rd for National Universities and 17th for Top Public Schools.
Purdue-West Lafayette Outcomes
Purdue has a strong record of positive outcomes for its graduates. The university reports a 93% first-year retention rate and an 81% six-year graduation rate. The average starting salary for Purdue graduates is around $58,000 per year.
Central Michigan University Overview
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Founded in 1892, CMU offers over 200 undergraduate programs, serving more than 21,000 students. Popular majors at CMU include business, education, and health professions.
Central Michigan University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students at CMU can expect to pay around $13,454 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $24,120 per year. Room and board costs are approximately $10,772 per year.
Central Michigan University Admissions
CMU has an acceptance rate of around 70%, making it moderately selective. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 990-1220, while the middle 50% ACT range is 20-26.
Central Michigan University Degrees Offered
Central Michigan University offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, with popular programs in business, education, and health professions. The university also offers various graduate and professional degree programs.
Central Michigan University Academics
CMU is known for its strong programs in education, business, and health professions. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, providing students with the opportunity to engage with their professors and peers.
Central Michigan University Diversity
CMU’s student body is diverse, with students hailing from all 50 states and over 60 countries. Approximately 74% of the students are white, 11% are African American, and the remaining students come from various minority backgrounds.
Central Michigan University Students
With over 21,000 students, CMU has a welcoming and active student community. Students can participate in more than 400 clubs and organizations, as well as various recreational and social activities.
Central Michigan University Campus
CMU’s campus covers 871 acres, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, scenic landscapes, and various recreational spaces. The university offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls and apartments.
Central Michigan University Alumni
Notable CMU alumni include actor Jeff Daniels, sportscaster Dick Enberg, and former Michigan governor John Engler.
Central Michigan University Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Central Michigan University is ranked 249th for National Universities and 121st for Top Public Schools.
Central Michigan University Outcomes
CMU reports a first-year retention rate of 76% and a six-year graduation rate of 62%. The average starting salary for CMU graduates is around $42,000 per year.
Purdue-West Lafayette vs Central Michigan University Cost Comparison
Both Purdue-West Lafayette and Central Michigan University are public institutions, offering affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Purdue has lower in-state tuition at $10,030 per year compared to CMU’s $13,454 per year. However, CMU has a slightly lower out-of-state tuition at $24,120 per year, compared to Purdue’s $29,132 per year. Room and board costs are similar for both schools, with Purdue at $10,030 and CMU at $10,772 per year.
Purdue-West Lafayette vs Central Michigan University Admissions Difficulty
Purdue-West Lafayette is more competitive in terms of admissions, with an acceptance rate of 60% compared to CMU’s 70% acceptance rate. The average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students are also higher at Purdue, indicating a more difficult admissions process.
Purdue-West Lafayette vs Central Michigan University Academic Difficulty
Purdue is known for its rigorous engineering, business, and science programs, which may present a more challenging academic environment for students compared to CMU’s popular programs in education, business, and health professions.
Purdue-West Lafayette vs Central Michigan University Outcome Comparison
Graduates from Purdue-West Lafayette experience higher average starting salaries at $58,000 per year, compared to CMU graduates’ average starting salary of $42,000 per year. Purdue also has a higher first-year retention rate (93% vs 76%) and a higher six-year graduation rate (81% vs 62%), indicating better student outcomes overall.
In conclusion, both Purdue-West Lafayette and Central Michigan University offer unique academic experiences and opportunities for students. However, Purdue may be more suitable for those interested in engineering, business, and science, while CMU may be more appealing for those interested in education, business, and health professions.
