Frequently Asked Questions
The CMU Promise was a tuition guarantee plan that CMU began offering to undergraduate students in fall 2005. It set one unchanging tuition rate for incoming freshmen and transfer students for up to five years and eliminated mandatory fees. The tuition guarantee plan remains in effect for all students enrolled through the summer 2008 semester, but is not offered to students who enrolled beginning fall 2008 or later.
- How does The CMU Promise affect returning CMU students?
Varying rates apply. The CMU Promise was first offered in fall 2005. One new credit-hour rate, guaranteed for five years from that date, was established for all new students. At that time, returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors were grandfathered into the program. Each cohort of students enrolled through summer 2008 was guaranteed a rate that was not to increase for a prorated period of time between one and four years, depending on the number of credit hours they had completed at the time.
- What is the best way to determine my tuition rate?
- New students (enrolled after summer 2008): Refer to this page for the most accurate information..
- Current students (enrolled prior to fall 2005 through summer 2008): Refer to the Tuition Calculator to calculate your credit-hour rate.
- Why was The CMU Promise discontinued?
The Board of Trustees voted not to extend The CMU Promise to future incoming classes of students because of a severe decline in funding from the state of Michigan. In order to maintain the quality of education that CMU is known for, the trustees determined that a guaranteed tuition plan was a financial risk to the university at a time of budget uncertainty. Again, the elimination of The CMU Promise is only for new students who start classes at CMU beginning in the fall 2008 semester or later.
- How long with The CMU Promise rates be available for eligible students?
If you are a student who enrolled at CMU prior to fall 2005 through summer 2008, you will receive up to five years of guaranteed tuition under The CMU Promise, according to the date you began taking classes.
- Is The CMU Promise extended to graduate and Off-Campus Programs students?
No. Tuition rates and fees for graduate and Off-Campus Programs students will continue to be reviewed and adjusted separately. CMU's graduate and Off-Campus Programs vary greatly in deliver methods and locations, time required for completion, and program-specific rates and charges.
