Central Michigan University

What are the graduation rates for students at Central Michigan University?

Central Michigan University reports an overall graduation rate of 62%, placing it in the top 40% of similar institutions. When broken down by gender, 66% of women graduate, also ranking in the top 40%, while the graduation rate for men is slightly lower at 56%, which positions them within the top 45%. The university's four-year graduation rate is 39%, indicating a below-average pace to degree completion and ranking in the bottom 45%. However, the six-year graduation rate improves significantly to 62%, maintaining the university's standing among the upper 40%.

Retention rates reflect the proportion of students returning after their first year and stand at 74%. This is considered average but falls within the lower half of comparable institutions. These metrics together suggest that while many students eventually complete their degrees at Central Michigan University, the path may extend beyond the traditional four years for a notable portion of the student body.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Central Michigan University?

Graduates of Central Michigan University experience a broad range of earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in engineering and technology disciplines. For example, graduates in Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians command an average salary of $74,597, while those in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn about $69,477. Similarly, Mechanical Engineering graduates receive around $66,978, and Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians make approximately $64,535. Computer-related degrees also yield notable earnings, with Computer Science graduates earning $62,306 on average and general Computer and Information Sciences graduates earning $56,922. Those with expertise in Management Information Systems and Services see earnings near $62,490.

Business and management fields present respectable income opportunities as well. Graduates in Finance and Financial Management Services report average earnings of $50,594, and those studying Marketing earn close to $50,397. Earnings for students graduating in Human Resources Management and Services are also strong at $49,323, while Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates make approximately $49,172 on average. Degrees in Accounting and Related Services report earnings of $54,198, reflecting solid financial prospects.

In the sciences and mathematics, graduates in Mathematics earn around $49,258, and those in Statistics earn $47,464. Life sciences show more moderate returns; for instance, graduates in general Biology have earnings near $24,895, while those in Neurobiology and Neurosciences receive about $24,783. Specializations like Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bring in approximately $25,404.

Among social sciences and humanities, some fields offer reasonable compensation. For example, graduates in Economics earn an average of $42,428, and those in Geography and Cartography earn $37,181. The Community Organization and Advocacy degree has average earnings of $41,663, while Social Work graduates make around $34,258. Degrees in Political Science and Government and Communication and Media Studies yield $26,725 and $34,207 respectively.

Education-related fields tend to provide moderate incomes, with Special Education and Teaching graduates earning about $40,909, and those in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas earning $39,217. Teacher Education and Professional Development for Specific Levels and Methods yields $38,154.

Health and allied services also offer competitive earnings. Studies in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions lead to average salaries of $37,986, while Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions graduates earn roughly $36,092. Graduates in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions report earnings near $35,927, and those in Health and Medical Administrative Services make about $40,726.

Fields related to communications and the arts tend to yield more modest earnings. For instance, degrees in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bring in about $35,420, while Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $34,718. Average income for Journalism is approximately $25,827, and Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates earn around $26,758.

Some other notable earnings include graduates in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at $40,200 and those in Hospitality Administration/Management with earnings of $36,339. Fields like Psychology, General and Health and Physical Education/Fitness report earnings in the mid to high $20,000s range.