
1200 S Franklin Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA


Central Michigan University supports a diverse athletics program competing at the NCAA Division I level, primarily as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The university sponsors a wide array of men's and women's sports, fostering opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals.
The Chippewas, as the athletic teams are known, offer varsity sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field among others. The football team participates in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and has a history of competitive success within the conference.
Athletic facilities at Central Michigan University are designed to support both training and competition, featuring venues such as Kelly/Shorts Stadium for football and McGuirk Arena for basketball. These facilities provide student-athletes with quality environments to develop their skills and compete in front of enthusiastic fans.
In addition to varsity sports, the university encourages involvement in club and intramural activities, promoting wellness and community engagement among the wider student body. Prospective students interested in athletics have access to a program that balances competitive sports with academic support aimed at fostering their overall success.
Central Michigan University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and cultural backgrounds. Among these are the Indian Student Association, Student Government Association, International Student Organization, OBU Fashion Show, and Muslim Student Organization. These groups provide opportunities for students to engage with their peers, develop leadership skills, and participate in cultural and social events.
Based on enrollment figures, approximately 0.56% of male students and 0.15% of female students are involved in these social organizations, suggesting a modest but active participation in student groups. This involvement can enhance the college experience by fostering community and support networks for students from different backgrounds.
Central Michigan University hosts a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of in-state students accounting for 88% of the population, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for in-state enrollment. Conversely, out-of-state students represent only 8%, a relatively low figure compared to other institutions. The university serves mostly U. S. students, who make up 96% of the total, ranking the school in the upper third for domestic student enrollment. International students come from about 4% of the student body, reflecting a moderate level of global representation.
New student intake is robust, with freshmen numbering 2,044, a figure regarded as high and in the top 30% of comparable universities. Transfer students also form a substantial group, totaling 937 and similarly ranking in the top 30% nationwide. Together, the total new student enrollment reaches 2,981, placing Central Michigan University well within the top quartile for incoming students.
The age distribution reveals that most undergraduate students are young adults, primarily between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 3,106 are aged 18 to 19, and 3,463 fall into the 20 to 21 bracket. Adults age 22 to 24 number 2,057, and there is a notable presence of older students as well, with 539 between 25 and 29 and smaller groups extending into their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Graduate students tend to be older, with major demographic clusters between 22 and 39 years of age, indicating that graduate education at the university attracts a mature learner population.
Regarding ethnicity, the student body predominantly identifies as white, with 7,624 individuals marking the university in the top 10% nationally for this demographic representation. African American students number 820, placing the institution in the higher half for such enrollment, while Hispanic students total 578, a moderate count relative to other schools. Native American students are represented by 93 individuals, ranking the university within the top 25% nationally for this group. Other ethnicities, including Asian (147), Pacific Islander (6), and those identifying with two or more races (387), contribute to the university's ethnic mix. A small number of students (95) chose not to disclose their race or ethnicity.
Student life at Central Michigan University offers a broad range of activities and resources designed to enrich the collegiate experience. The campus, sprawling over 871 acres, hosts diverse artistic and media outlets including a campus newspaper, radio station, television station, drama productions, chorus, and band, enabling students to engage creatively outside of the classroom.
The university supports student well-being by providing accessible health services such as a health clinic and psychological counseling. There is also a dedicated office for veterans' affairs, reflecting attention to the needs of student veterans. While legal services and a women's center are not available, the existing support structures contribute to a supportive environment.
With a total enrollment exceeding 14,500 students, including over 2,100 full-time degree-seeking individuals, student engagement is likely diverse and dynamic. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 16: 1, which is favorable for personalized academic interactions. International diversity is notable, as students hail from 64 different countries, enriching the campus culture and global awareness.
In the athletic realm, Central Michigan University is affiliated with the NCAA, offering opportunities for students to participate in or support competitive sports.
Central Michigan University provides students access to two libraries, including the primary University Library. The library system is average in size compared to other institutions, ranking within the top half nationally for the number of libraries available.
The University Library offers a comprehensive collection with approximately 635,518 physical books and 1,259,550 ebooks, placing the ebook collection notably in the top 25% of similar institutions. There are 9,132 subscriptions and 179,242 digital subscriptions available, reflecting solid digital resource availability. However, the number of databases, at 255, ranks slightly below the median nationally.
Students benefit from nearly 100 weekly service hours, with facilities supporting physical and digital access, study rooms, and all-day access. The library staff are trained to assist users effectively, and access to shared collections extends research possibilities beyond the immediate university holdings.
Total enrollment
14515Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
2184Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
594 full time, 318 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
University LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes