Central Michigan University

In 2022, tuition for full-time students at Central Michigan University was $13,376 a year for in-state students and $20,400 a year for out-of-state students.

On average, college tuition goes up about 3% every year.

If this information makes going to college seem daunting, remember, the advertized cost of tuition doesn't always tell the full story. Many students find the actual cost of college is way less than the sticker price after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts kick in. Plus, student loans can make thecost of college more manageable until after graduation.

Tuition for international students at Central Michigan University is $20,400 per year.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $13,376 for in-state students who attend full-time.Non-Michigan residents can expect to pay 20,400 per year for tuition.

Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. Public, state schools can offer lower tuition for students who meet the requirements for in-state residency.

Choosing a college where you are eligible for the reduced tuition offered to state residentscan save on the cost of tuition, as well as loans and interest owed. Be sure to verify your state's criteria for as an in-state resident. Each state has different requirements to qualify as in-state resident. The most common requirement is that students must have lived in the state for a full year before starting school. There may be additional requirements as well, depending on the state you and your parents currently live in.

Explore other Michigan colleges

Is Central Michigan University's Tuition Different for International Students?

CMU has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at Central Michigan University usually pay around $20,400 per year, before any scholarships, grants or other financial aid.

Students from outside of the U.S. usually do not qualify for for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but should research private or CMU-specific aid and scholarships. International students with need may be eligible for the following types of financial support at CMU:

•On-campus jobs •Athletic Awards •CMU-specific scholarships •International Students Tuition Waivers

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships and athletic awards.

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Central Michigan University Housing Expenses, Fees, and More

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In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at CMU.

House and Food Costs at CMU

Housing and campus dining at CMU costs $11,248 a year. This number covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, and a meal plan that enables you to eat in the CMU's on-campus cafeterias and dining facilities. Students who live off campus but still want to use the dining facilities can pay for a meal plan. The cost of board-only is $5,400.

Meal-plan costs may vary depending on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

How Much Do Books Cost at CMU?

The cost of books often surprises first-year college students. The actual cost of books depends on the courses you take and what kinds of books and materials they require. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy books from students who have already taken the course.

Annual Fees

The majority of colleges charge some yearly fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the computer labs and libraries, athletic facilities, and more.

Keep in mind, there could also be other costs associated with participating in certain activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or participating in sports or other extracurriculars. Most colleges offer ways for students who may struggle to participate because of cost can get help covering these fees.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation costs at CMU

The total cost of transportation in college depends on a few key factors. Will you drive, fly, or take public transportation to school? Will you need to pay to park on-campus? Is the campus walkable? Do you own a car, or are you planning to use busses, subways, or other modes of transportation? All of these factors can make a big difference in your transportation budget. At CMU, freshman are allowed to park on campus.

The location of a college or university can also have a big effect on the amount you'll have to spend just to get around. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand transportation in a city may be expensive, but cities may offer more buses, trains and affordable flights to actually get to school. The Central Michigan University campus is located in a small town setting in Michigan.

Other Costs

When budgeting for college, don’t forget to take into account personal expenses, like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.

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Total Tuition and Expenses at Central Michigan University

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Now, let’s go over all of the costs we've covered, to get a better estimate of the actual cost of attending CMU.

How Much Does CMU Cost?

What will the cost of attending CMU be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2022 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition	$13,376
Out-of-State Tuition	$20,400
Room and Board	$11,248
Board Only	$5,392
Other expenses	$450

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

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Central Michigan University Financial Aid

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The majority of Central Michigan University undergrads use financial aid to to cover the cost of tuition. In 2022, 7,875 of the 11,434 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. CMU meets 73% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $14,535 a year. Around 72% of CMU undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. CMU graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $31,092 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans	$26,371
Private Loans	$0

Most Common Loans for CMU Students
Federal Loans	71%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on CMU financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at Central Michigan University

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2022, CMU awarded 6,484 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $53 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $21.35 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

Central Michigan University Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for CMU students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at CMU was $14,535 in 2022. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of CMU seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus	$-2,546
Net In-state, Off-campus	$6,683
Out-of-State, On-Campus	$19,013

Note: a negative number can indicate that a refund will be given to use toward other expenses such as housing, fees, and books. In such cases, be sure to reach out to the school directly for any clarification or questions.

What will attending CMU really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the CMU's net cost calculator on their website.

Central Michigan University Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

CMU offers an Installment Payment Plan, which allows students to pay tuition in a series of smaller chunks instead of one lump sum.

CMU Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups, to reduce the total cost of attendance. Some colleges offer tuition waivers for faculty, staff, and their families , underrepresented students, or military students. Even with a tuition waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

CMU has some full or partial tuition waivers available for: - International Students - X - Employees or Children of Employees

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

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Learn More About Central Michigan University

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