Mount Pleasant, MI · Private University
Is Central Michigan University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$55,874
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$14,190
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,190
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$56,760
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.94x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
61.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$16,041
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Central Michigan University graduates earn $10,874 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Central Michigan University ranked by graduate earnings
73 graduates
28 graduates
85 graduates
87 graduates
40 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Central Michigan University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Central Michigan University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $89,004) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $30,139) is $58,865/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $89,004 | 6.3x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $88,286 | 6.2x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $84,789 | 6.0x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $82,839 | 5.8x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $82,462 | 5.8x |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $75,648 | 5.3x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $75,013 | 5.3x |
| Marketing | $69,950 | 4.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,971 | 4.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $65,653 | 4.6x |
| Economics | $65,632 | 4.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $64,881 | 4.6x |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians(1yr data) | $63,862 | 4.5x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $59,968 | 4.2x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $59,162 | 4.2x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $57,802 | 4.1x |
| Political Science and Government | $55,204 | 3.9x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $53,574 | 3.8x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $52,964 | 3.7x |
| Social Sciences, Other | $52,781 | 3.7x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $52,249 | 3.7x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $51,618 | 3.6x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $51,538 | 3.6x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $51,494 | 3.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $51,268 | 3.6x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $51,061 | 3.6x |
| Biology, General | $50,721 | 3.6x |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $50,641 | 3.6x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $49,936 | 3.5x |
| Social Work | $46,705 | 3.3x |
| Public Administration(1yr data) | $46,301 | 3.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $46,202 | 3.3x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $45,653 | 3.2x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $45,630 | 3.2x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $45,042 | 3.2x |
| Psychology, General | $43,964 | 3.1x |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $43,940 | 3.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $43,844 | 3.1x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $43,515 | 3.1x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $43,068 | 3.0x |
| Music | $42,752 | 3.0x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $42,661 | 3.0x |
| History | $41,508 | 2.9x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $41,265 | 2.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,126 | 2.8x |
| Sociology | $39,894 | 2.8x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $39,851 | 2.8x |
| Anthropology | $38,449 | 2.7x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $36,145 | 2.5x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $35,443 | 2.5x |
| Journalism | $32,022 | 2.3x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $31,405 | 2.2x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $30,139 | 2.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Central Michigan University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $55,874 10 years after starting, $10,874 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.