“Central Michigan University is defined by the success of our students and alumni, and by our collective impact with the communities we serve.” This brief but clear statement reflects our broad commitment to education, research, and service, and ensuring that everything We do as a university community is focused on creating positive impact.
Since its founding in 1892, CMU has been dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve. In the beginning, this meant training educators and business leaders to serve the mid-Michigan region; today, that mission extends to preparing students for success in a wide range of career fields, aligning research with the needs of communities throughout Michigan and beyond, and producing graduates who innovate, serve the public good, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Read about how Central Michigan University students and alumni are living our mission. Use the links below or scroll down the page:
CMU is committed to keeping higher education accessible, affordable and impactful for students and their families. In 2025, the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education named CMU to its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities, placing it in the “higher access, higher earnings” category.
Even before their first day of classes, CMU students have access to dozens of academic and personal support programs and services to help them stay on the path to degree attainment. From proactive academic advising and career development activities to financial wellness and mental health services, CMU faculty, staff and student leaders provide unique wrap-around support for every interested student. This includes basic needs from the Student Food Pantry, academic support services and online student success services, mental health and counseling services, financial wellness programs, and more. Learn more about student support services.
CMU offers a robust and exciting campus life experience for Mount Pleasant-based students. With more than 300 registered student organizations, 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and hundreds of on-campus events annually, there’s plenty to keep students Fired Up throughout the year. Learn more about life on campus.
In addition, CMU offers every student numerous opportunities to engage in leadership development activities, beginning with the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute’s Leadership Safari and CMU IMPACT. Throughout the year, students at CMU can participate in dozens of leadership development programs, activities and events. Learn more about leadership at CMU.
As part of their leadership development, thousands of CMU students also engage in volunteer and community service through the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. CMU is regularly named one of the top institutions in the nation for participation in Alternative Breaks, and CMU students contribute thousands of hours of service to local nonprofit organizations and public schools. And, as a Voter-Friendly Campus and one of the nation’s most engaged campuses for the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, CMU students are known for their political engagement, too. Learn more about volunteering and civic engagement at CMU.
CMU’s We Do brand reflects a commitment to active, hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world careers and community impact. Our graduates don’t just get great jobs, they lead in their chosen fields and in their communities.
CMU graduates have a 94.3% Career Outcomes Rate within six months of graduation, and they earn 26% more than the national median within two years of earning their degrees (2025, Niche/NACE). With support from their faculty, academic advisors, staff mentors and the CMU Career Development Center, students connect with employers early and go into the workforce prepared with the knowledge and skills employers demand.
Our worldwide network of more than 250,000 alumni grows each year and includes more than 150 military flag officers and leaders at the highest levels in businesses, nonprofit organizations and governments nationwide. Each year, CMU celebrates the achievements of its graduates with the annual alumni awards, held on campus in the fall. Learn more about our recent award-winners.
Central Michigan University was established to meet the needs of the great State of Michigan; it’s a legacy we’re proud to continue today. Through outreach centers in Detroit and Traverse City; locations in Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw and Troy; CMURC locations in Mount Pleasant, Saginaw, Bay City and Midland; and research programs touching cities statewide, we’re committed to connecting with and serving communities throughout the region. Learn more about the Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC).
One of our proudest partnerships is with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, our Mount Pleasant neighbors, our namesake, and our partners in experiential learning. Through collaborative research, teaching and service, CMU and the Tribe ensure students, faculty, staff and community members have access to outstanding cultural events. Learn more about our partnership.
CMU is classified as an R2 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing us among doctoral universities with high research activity. CMU faculty members are engaged in research with real impact throughout the region, including protecting and preserving the Great Lakes through the Institute for Great Lakes Research, providing pathways to the classroom for future teachers, and supporting rural and underserved communities with access to telehealth services. They secure millions of dollars in federal, state and private research grants each year, which in turn provides students extraordinary opportunities to participate in scholarly activity in the lab, in the classroom, and in the field. Read more in CMU News.
To learn more about CMU, we invite you to explore the website or to join us on campus for a tour!
For quick facts and figures, check out the rankings and recognition webpage.