Exploring Central Michigan University's Student Population

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was established in 1892 and currently offers over 200 academic programs to its students. CMU's total undergraduate enrollment as of Fall 2023 was 10,079, with a gender distribution of 38.6% male and 61.4% female students. The university has seen a recent decline in enrollment, with a drop of about 1.25% in student numbers from 2022 to 2023. However, CMU still has a significant number of students and is committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers and lifelong learning.

Central Michigan University has over 14,000 students enrolled

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. With over 14,000 students enrolled, CMU is one of the largest universities in the nation, offering more than 200 programs across various academic fields. The university's total undergraduate enrollment stands at 10,079, with a gender distribution of 38.6% male and 61.4% female students. CMU's campus size spans 480 acres, and it is one of the eight research universities in Michigan, classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.

CMU provides a comprehensive education that prepares its students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including business, education, health professions, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, STEM, and more. With its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, CMU strives to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all its students.

In addition to its academic offerings, CMU also provides a rich student life. On the Mount Pleasant campus, students can get involved in nearly 400 clubs, fraternities, sororities, and the CMU Volunteer Center. The university also hosts annual events, such as a cardboard boat race during Homecoming and Native American Heritage Month, celebrating its relationship with the local Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.

CMU has seen fluctuations in its enrollment numbers over the years. While the university had a total enrollment of over 14,000 students in fall 2023, it has experienced a decline in recent years, with a 46% drop in total enrollment between 2012 and 2022. However, there is a silver lining, as new student enrollment has been on the rise since 2021, indicating a potential stabilization of enrollment numbers in the coming years.

CMU's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #259 in National Universities, and it charges the same tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state students, amounting to $15,480. With its strong academics, diverse programs, and vibrant student life, CMU continues to be a top choice for higher education in the Midwest.

The university has seen a dramatic decline in enrollment in recent years

Central Michigan University, a public research institution located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, has experienced a significant decline in enrollment in recent years. The university's student population has dropped to its lowest number in over five decades, with only 14,411 students enrolled in the fall of 2023. This marks an eighth consecutive year of decreasing student numbers and a 43.5% decrease since the university's peak enrollment of 25,528 students in 2015.

Several factors have contributed to the university's enrollment struggles. One key reason is the decline in the number of high school graduates in Michigan and the increased competition among universities for a shrinking pool of prospective students. Additionally, CMU has faced challenges with student retention, which has resulted in a significant number of student losses. Changes made to online and distance education programs in 2016 also had a significant impact on enrollment numbers, with enrollment figures dropping dramatically as a result.

Despite the overall decline in enrollment, there are some positive signs. The rate of decrease has slowed down in recent years, and the university has seen an increase in new students, including freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students. The number of international students, in particular, has more than doubled since 2021, thanks to the university's successful international recruitment strategies.

CMU officials remain optimistic about the future and predict that enrollment will increase in the fall of 2024. They attribute this prediction to the success of their digital marketing recruitment campaign, new staff strategies, and technologies. The university's strong return on investment, with 94% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education, also plays a role in attracting prospective students.

While CMU's enrollment numbers have declined, the university continues to offer a comprehensive education to its students, with over 200 programs across various academic fields. It strives to provide an inclusive and equitable learning environment and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The gender distribution is 38.6% male and 61.4% female

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was established in 1892 and currently offers over 200 programs across various fields, including business, health, and fine arts. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,079 students in the fall of 2023, CMU caters to a large student body.

Among these students, the gender distribution is 38.6% male and 61.4% female. This uneven distribution reflects a higher proportion of female students on campus. This distribution is consistent with the overall enrollment, which includes graduate students, where males make up 39% and females 61% of the student population.

CMU's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body composition, fostering an equitable learning environment for all. The university's efforts to create an inclusive space contribute to its appeal as a top choice for higher education in the Midwest.

In terms of on-campus living, 41% of CMU students reside in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 59% choose to live off-campus. This distribution indicates that a significant number of students prefer the convenience and community of on-campus accommodations.

CMU's student body is diverse in more ways than one. In addition to gender diversity, the university has also experienced an influx of international students, with a notable increase of around 42.2% from 2022 to 2023. This growing international presence further enriches the university's commitment to inclusivity and cultural exchange.

Overall, CMU's student population showcases a varied and inclusive community, with a gender distribution that leans slightly more towards female students. The university's dedication to fostering an equitable and welcoming environment contributes to its reputation as a leading educational institution in the region.

The university has more than 50 locations across North America

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research institution located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. With over 14,000 students enrolled, CMU is one of the nation's 100 largest universities.

CMU has more than 50 locations across North America, including centres in Hawaii and Canada. The university's main campus is in Mount Pleasant, with additional centres in Lansing and Traverse City. The Mount Pleasant campus spans 480 acres and offers over 200 undergraduate programs and 250+ labs and studios for students to gain hands-on experience.

CMU students can also take advantage of the university's online programs, which are available at locations across Michigan. The university aims to accommodate all its students by providing a variety of program options and locations.

In addition to its physical locations, CMU offers a range of online programs to increase accessibility for students who may not be able to attend in-person classes. These online programs provide flexibility and convenience, allowing students to access course materials and lectures from anywhere with an internet connection.

CMU's more than 50 locations across North America demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible and diverse educational opportunities for its students, whether they are attending classes in person or online. This extensive network of campuses and centres enables CMU to serve a wide range of students and enhance their educational experience.

Central Michigan University is one of the eight research universities in Michigan

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was established in 1892 and became a state institution in 1895. CMU is one of the eight research universities in Michigan and is classified as an "R2: Doctoral University" with high research activity. With a campus size of 480 acres, CMU offers a comprehensive education with over 200 undergraduate programs and more than 250 labs and studios for hands-on learning. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of over 10,000 students, with a total student population of more than 14,000.

CMU provides a diverse range of academic fields, including business, education, health professions, humanities, social and behavioural sciences, and STEM. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in over 200 fields and master's degrees in various programs such as business, health, and fine arts. The university also offers specialist and doctoral-level programs, giving students a wide range of educational opportunities.

CMU is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment. It fosters a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that every student has access to a supportive and enriching educational experience. This commitment has made CMU a top choice for higher education in the Midwest.

The university is also home to various student organizations, with nearly 400 clubs, fraternities, and sororities. Students can get involved in the CMU Volunteer Center, which offers alternative break programs where students can spend their breaks volunteering in different parts of the world. CMU also hosts annual events like the cardboard boat race during Homecoming and Native American Heritage Month, celebrating its relationship with the local Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.

With its strong academic offerings, research focus, and dedication to student development, Central Michigan University stands as one of the eight prominent research institutions in the state of Michigan.

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