🎓 Central Michigan University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~91% (recent reporting; varies by year)
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
- Middle 50% SAT: ~970–1210 (ranges vary by source)
- Average HS GPA: ~3.5
Notes: CMU’s CDS and third-party summaries differ slightly year to year; use ranges as directional.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Central Michigan University at a Glance
Last verified: November 6, 2025
Central Michigan University (CMU) offers clear, automatic merit via its Maroon & Gold grid and high-prestige Centralis awards for top applicants. With test-optional admissions and GPA-based merit tiers, strong students can meaningfully cut costs.
Out-of-state savings rely on institutional merit and competitive scholarships (CMU does not participate in MSEP). Filing FAFSA early and meeting the Nov 3 Centralis and Dec 1 Maroon & Gold dates maximizes options.
FAQ
Does CMU offer automatic merit? Yes — Maroon & Gold Merit Awards are automatic for eligible freshmen based on CMU’s GPA/test grid.
Are Centralis awards full-ride? Centralis Scholar is full-ride (tuition, fees, housing & food); Centralis Gold covers full tuition.
Is CMU in MSEP? No — Michigan is not currently a member of the Midwest Student Exchange Program.
What’s the average net price? Around $15.3k after aid (most recent federal data; varies by income).
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/honors-program/future-students/centralis-competition
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/honors-program/future-students
https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2023-2024/undergraduate-bulletin/policies-and-general-information/scholarships-and-financial-aid/merit-scholarships
https://www.cmich.edu/undergraduate/cost-aid-scholarships/scholarships
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/central-michigan-university-2243/applying
https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/Central-Michigan-University-sat-scores-GPA
https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/michigan/central-michigan-university/admission/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/central-michigan-university/admissions/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Central Michigan University (2025–2026)
Here’s what a typical first-year student living on campus at CMU can expect to pay before any financial aid or scholarships. Figures below include tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| In-State | Out-of-State* | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $15,420 | $21,450 |
| Room & Board (Housing & Meals) | $12,628 | $12,628 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $28,048 | $34,078 |
Notes: Tuition assumes ~30 credit hours per year (15/term). Housing & meals reflect a standard double room with a mid-tier meal plan. *Out-of-state figure uses CMU’s published international undergraduate tuition & fees ($21,450) as the closest verifiable nonresident benchmark; some domestic nonresident totals may vary slightly by program.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, CMU’s average net price—what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—was about $15,373 per year (most recent available). Your number will vary by income, merit awards, and residency.
https://www.cmich.edu/undergraduate/cost-aid-scholarships
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/finance-administrative-services/financial-services-reporting/student-account-services-university-billing/tuition-and-fee-rates
https://www.cmich.edu/international-admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships
https://www.cmich.edu/student-life/housing/dining-options
https://www.cm-life.com/article/2025/05/p_housingandmealprices_news_050125
Automatic Merit (Admission-Based)
These awards are built into the admission process. CMU is test-optional; GPA alone can earn merit, and submitted ACT/SAT scores (if any) can only increase your award.
Maroon & Gold Merit (Freshmen) — 2025–2026
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (GPA + ACT/SAT) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroon & Gold — Tier A1 | $3,500/yr | GPA 3.00–3.29 + ACT <22 or SAT <1100 (or no score) | No | Yes — up to 4 yrs; Yr1–2 full-time + 30 new CMU credits/yr + live on campus; Yr3–4 3.0 CMU GPA + 30 credits/yr | Entry band for 3.0–3.29 GPAs, test-optional or lower scores | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier A2 | $4,000/yr | GPA 3.30–3.59 + ACT <22 or SAT <1100 (or no score) | No | Yes — same renewal as above | Mid-3s GPAs without/low scores | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier A3 | $4,500/yr | GPA 3.60–3.79 + ACT <22 or SAT <1100 (or no score) | No | Yes — same renewal | Upper-3s GPA, test-optional/low test | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier A4 | $5,000/yr | GPA 3.80–3.94 + ACT <22 or SAT <1100 (or no score) | No | Yes — same renewal | High GPA without/low test | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier A5 | $6,000/yr | GPA 3.95–4.00 + ACT <22 or SAT <1100 (or no score) | No | Yes — same renewal | Near-perfect GPA, test-optional/low test | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier B1 | $4,250/yr | GPA 3.00–3.29 + ACT 22–24 or SAT 1100–1190 | No | Yes — same renewal | Solid 3.0–3.29 with mid-low scores | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier B2 | $4,750/yr | GPA 3.30–3.59 + ACT 22–24 or SAT 1100–1190 | No | Yes — same renewal | Mid-3s GPA with 22–24 ACT / 1100–1190 SAT | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier B3 | $5,250/yr | GPA 3.60–3.79 + ACT 22–24 or SAT 1100–1190 | No | Yes — same renewal | Upper-3s GPA with 22–24/1100–1190 | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier B4 | $5,750/yr | GPA 3.80–3.94 + ACT 22–24 or SAT 1100–1190 | No | Yes — same renewal | High GPA with 22–24/1100–1190 scores | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier B5 | $6,750/yr | GPA 3.95–4.00 + ACT 22–24 or SAT 1100–1190 | No | Yes — same renewal | Near-perfect GPA with mid-low scores | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier C1 | $5,000/yr | GPA 3.00–3.29 + ACT 25–31 or SAT 1200–1390 | No | Yes — same renewal | Stronger test lifts lower GPA band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier C2 | $5,500/yr | GPA 3.30–3.59 + ACT 25–31 or SAT 1200–1390 | No | Yes — same renewal | Mid-3s + solid test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier C3 | $6,000/yr | GPA 3.60–3.79 + ACT 25–31 or SAT 1200–1390 | No | Yes — same renewal | Upper-3s + solid test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier C4 | $6,500/yr | GPA 3.80–3.94 + ACT 25–31 or SAT 1200–1390 | No | Yes — same renewal | High GPA + solid test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier C5 | $7,500/yr | GPA 3.95–4.00 + ACT 25–31 or SAT 1200–1390 | No | Yes — same renewal | Near-perfect GPA + strong test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier D1 | $5,750/yr | GPA 3.00–3.29 + ACT 32–36 or SAT 1400–1600 | No | Yes — same renewal | High test lifts lower GPA band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier D2 | $6,250/yr | GPA 3.30–3.59 + ACT 32–36 or SAT 1400–1600 | No | Yes — same renewal | Mid-3s + top test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier D3 | $6,750/yr | GPA 3.60–3.79 + ACT 32–36 or SAT 1400–1600 | No | Yes — same renewal | Upper-3s + top test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier D4 | $7,250/yr | GPA 3.80–3.94 + ACT 32–36 or SAT 1400–1600 | No | Yes — same renewal | High GPA + top test band | Dec 1 |
| Maroon & Gold — Tier D5 (Top) | $8,250/yr | GPA 3.95–4.00 + ACT 32–36 or SAT 1400–1600 | No | Yes — same renewal | Top academics in both GPA and test scores | Dec 1 |
Transfer Merit (On-Campus)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Honors | $3,500/year (up to $10,500 over 3 years) | New transfer, ≥3.5 college GPA & ≥24 earned credits; can add PTK Award. | No | Yes (credit/GPA requirements; see award terms) | Strong 3.5+ GPAs; maximum total often achieved when combined with PTK. | Rolling |
| Transfer Recognition | $2,000/year (up to $6,000 over 3 years) | New transfer, ≥3.0 college GPA & ≥12 earned credits; can add PTK Award. | No | Yes (credit/GPA requirements; see award terms) | Solid 3.0–3.4 GPAs; PTK can add $1,000/year up to 3 years. | Rolling |
| Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) | $1,000/year (up to $3,000 over 3 years) | PTK member, ≥3.5 college GPA & ≥12 credits; email PTK certificate before first term. | Yes (send certificate) | Yes | Stacks with Transfer Honors or Recognition. Combined max often totals $13,500/3 years. | Before first term |
Notes: This tier table is a direct flattening of CMU’s published Maroon & Gold grid for 2025–26. CMU does not superscore; they use your highest single official test result. Amounts/criteria can shift with cohort and funding—use Dec 1 as your working priority date.
Automatic Merit FAQ
- Test-optional? Yes—GPA alone can qualify; scores can only increase tiers.
- Retesting? CMU can re-evaluate if official scores arrive before first semester begins.
- Renewal? Up to 4 years with the credit/GPA rules listed above.
https://www.cmich.edu/undergraduate/cost-aid-scholarships/scholarships
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/office-scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/scholarships-for-new-students
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/office-scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/scholarships-for-transfer-students
https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2023-2024/undergraduate-bulletin/policies-and-general-information/scholarships-and-financial-aid/merit-scholarships
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/189299-phi-theta-kappa-scholarship-central-michigan-university
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These are Central Michigan University’s most selective awards. They require essays, résumés, and often interviews. These are not automatic—only a small number of students receive them each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leader Advancement Scholarship | $2,000 per year (≈$8,000 total) | High school seniors with strong leadership records; requires separate application, résumé, and interview | Yes | Yes (maintain GPA and leadership involvement) | ≈40 students per year who demonstrate sustained leadership and service impact | Nov 1 |
| Multicultural Advancement Award of Distinction (AOD) | Full ride (tuition, housing, meals) | Students committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; separate essay, interview, and proven service/leadership required | Yes | Yes (4 years with GPA/credit benchmarks) | ≈10 students annually; typically high-achieving students of color with strong DEI leadership experience | Nov 1 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Are these worth applying for if my student isn’t perfect?
Yes. Strong leadership, service, or DEI impact can weigh as heavily as GPA or test scores. Essays and interviews carry major weight.
Can these stack with automatic merit?
The AOD replaces automatic merit since it’s a full ride. The Leader Advancement Scholarship can sometimes stack with partial automatic awards.
When are the deadlines?
Most applications are due by November 1, with interviews held during the winter. Early submission (September–October) gives the best chance.
How do students increase their odds?
Submit polished essays, show measurable leadership/service results, and prepare for interviews. Strong recommendations also make a difference.
Disclaimer: GPA and test score ranges are approximate and based on past awardee profiles. Actual selection may vary each year.
https://www.cmich.edu/student-life/leadership-development/sarah-r-opperman-leadership-institute/scholarships-for-leaders
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/office-scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/scholarships-for-new-students
https://www.cmich.edu/student-life/leadership-development/sarah-r-opperman-leadership-institute/scholarships-for-leaders/scholarship-protocol
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/office-scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/scholarship-policies
https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2019-2020/undergraduate-bulletin/policies-and-general-information/scholarships-and-financial-aid/merit-scholarships
https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/central-michigan-university-multicultural-advancement-award-of-distinction-111_275770.aspx
Honors Program at Central Michigan University
The Honors Program at Central Michigan University is built for high-achieving students who want small seminars, mentored research, and a senior capstone experience. Admission is by application, and the most competitive students are invited to the Centralis Scholarship competition — CMU’s premier scholarship event.
How to Apply
- Apply to CMU for admission (test-optional accepted).
- Submit the separate Honors Program application with essays and activity list.
- Top applicants are invited to the Centralis Scholarship Competition, which includes essays and interviews for CMU’s largest awards.
- Small Honors seminars taught by faculty mentors
- Priority access to undergraduate research grants
- Dedicated Honors housing and community
- Early guidance for study abroad and internships
- Capstone/thesis project (HON 499) with close advising
- Priority registration in some course areas
Honors and Centralis Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centralis Scholar Award | Full ride (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books) | Invitation-only via Honors + Centralis competition (essays & interview) | Yes — Honors + Centralis apps | Yes — 4 years (maintain GPA and credits) | ≈3.9+ GPA; ACT 32+ / SAT 1450+; exceptional leadership and service | Nov 1 |
| Centralis Gold Award | Full tuition (up to 33 credits/yr) + study abroad stipend | Invitation-only via Centralis competition | Yes — Honors + Centralis apps | Yes — 4 years (maintain GPA and credits) | ≈3.8–4.0 GPA; ACT 28–30 / SAT 1300–1350; ~40–50 awarded annually | Nov 1 |
| David Gill Memorial / Lighthouse / Centralis Alumni Awards | $1,000–$3,000 (varies) | Continuing or transfer Honors students; GPA 3.5+; application required | Yes — internal Honors app | Varies | Active Honors students with strong academics and service | Feb 1 |
Note: Centralis scholarships replace other major awards and represent CMU’s top financial packages for incoming freshmen.
Honors Program FAQs (Central Michigan University)
Is Honors open to all applicants?
Yes. The Honors Program is open to any admitted student who completes the application. Centralis is invitation-only for the highest-achieving applicants.
Does being in Honors delay graduation?
No. Honors coursework counts toward general education and major requirements when planned early.
Are test scores required?
No. CMU is fully test-optional for Honors, though high scores can help for Centralis consideration.
When should I apply?
Apply to CMU and submit the Honors application by November 1 for Centralis eligibility. Late applicants may still join Honors without Centralis consideration.
Can Centralis stack with other scholarships?
No. Centralis replaces automatic and most competitive awards since it already covers full tuition or more.
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/honors-program/future-students
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/honors-program/future-students/centralis-competition
https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2023-2024/undergraduate-bulletin/policies-and-general-information/scholarships-and-financial-aid/merit-scholarships
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/honors-program/current-students
https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-bulletin/student-support-services-and-resources/academic-services-and-resources/the-honors-program
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/honors-program/current-students/admission-current-transfer-students
📚 College Specialty
Every campus has its sweet spot — the programs that families across the country recognize and that employers know by name. At Central Michigan, one field clearly stands out, with a handful of other programs that also carry weight nationally.
📊 CMU’s School of Accounting is regularly ranked among the Top 50 undergraduate accounting programs in the nation (Public Accounting Report).
Other nationally recognized strengths include:
- Physical Therapy (DPT): Consistently ranked among the top 100 PT programs by U.S. News & World Report.
- Speech-Language Pathology: CMU’s program ranks in the top 100 nationally (U.S. News, 2023).
- Audiology (AuD): Ranked #16 nationally by U.S. News (2023).
- Entrepreneurship & Business: Noted regionally for strong placement rates and AACSB accreditation.
- Education: One of Michigan’s largest teacher-prep schools, with long-standing recognition for K-12 partnerships.
Research status: Central Michigan is classified as an R2 Doctoral University — High Research Activity under Carnegie’s framework. That means strong graduate research in health and applied sciences, but not the same level of funding or output as an R1 flagship.
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