Charter to cmu guarantee
Your future starts now - apply for free today.
You've worked hard in high school. Now, let us help make the transition to college seamless. With the Charter to CMU Guarantee, there's no application fee - and if your GPA is 2.8 or higher, you're in!
It's simple, quick and starts you on your journey to college and beyond.
Guaranteed admission in 3 easy steps
Step 1: Check your school
Do you attend a CMU-authorized charter high school?
Step 2: Apply to CMU for free
If you answered yes in Step 1 – you can apply for free!
Step 3: Sit back and relax
If you have a 2.8 GPA, you’re in! If not, we’ll get to work reviewing your app and let you know soon.
How to apply for free
Ready to get started? Applying can take as little as 15 minutes once you've gathered all your materials. Apply for free with the code Charter2CMU.
To apply, all you need is your GPA and your high school transcript. Test scores are optional, but they have the potential to increase your merit award.
Step 1: Submit your application form
Tell us a little about yourself, like where you attend high school and what you're interested in studying.
Step 2: Send in your transcripts
For now, you can earn admission and a merit scholarship with either your official or unofficial transcript.
Keep us updated with new transcripts at the end of each semester. It may mean an upgrade in your scholarship!
Prior to enrollment, you must submit your final, official high school transcript. Talk to your high school counselor to have it sent directly to our office.
Step 3: Submit your ACT/SAT score (optional)
You don’t have to submit a test score in order to be admitted and earn a merit award.* However, you may be able to earn a higher merit award if you do submit one.
There’s no real downside to including them, because it will only increase your merit award. We’ll never lower it.
If you do choose to submit a test score, you can mark CMU as a recipient on your exam or have your official score sent to us at apply@cmich.edu by requesting it through the ACT/SAT websites (SAT code: 1106; ACT code: 1972). Aim to have your test scores in by July 1.
*Please note, if you are homeschooled or attend a school that does not provide grades, then an ACT or SAT score is required.
We've got your back - every step of the way
Starting in your charter school classroom and moving with you to CMU's campus, you'll receive exclusive benefits including:
- Getting started for free: You exclusive Charter2CMU code waives the application fee.
- Less stress: If you have a 2.8 GPA, you're automatically in.
- Personalized support: From pre-college help to success resources on campus.
- Financial support: Charter grads have access to exclusive CMU scholarships.
- Continued success: We're here to support you all the way to graduation and beyond.
From Detroit to Grand Rapids, see how charter school alumni are taking advantage of everything CMU has to offer.
Find your scholarship
We know college is a substantial investment of your time and money. CMU students receive over $55 million in scholarships every year.*
*Internal report, 2025
Maroon and gold merit scholarships
| ACT | SAT | GPA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0-3.29 | 3.3-3.59 | 3.6-3.79 | 3.8-3.94 | 3.95-4.0 | ||
| <22 or no score | <1100 or no score | $3,500 | $4,000 | $4,500 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| 22-24 | 1100-1190 | $4,250 | $4,750 | $5,250 | $5,750 | $6,750 |
| 25-31 | 1200-1390 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $6,000 | $6,500 | $7,500 |
| 32-36 | 1400-1600 | $5,750 | $6,250 | $6,750 | $7,250 | $8,250 |
Are you eligible to attend tuition-free?
Through the CMU Tuition Advantage, newly admitted Michigan students whose families have an adjusted gross income and family assets of $65,000 or less may be eligible to attend CMU tuition-free. We will cover the cost of 30 credit hours (15 credits in the fall and 15 credits in the spring) through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible?
To qualify, students must:
- Attend a CMU-authorized charter high school.
- Have a minimum 2.8 GPA on 4.0 scale when you apply.
- Submit a completed application to CMU. Applicants are still subject to CMU's evaluation of disciplinary and/or criminal history.
Is my high school on the list?
Here is a list of CMU-authorized charter high schools for the 2025-26 school year:
What if I don’t have a 2.8 GPA?
You can still apply to CMU for free using the Charter2CMU code to allow CMU to review your application. You will not receive guaranteed admission, but we will move you through our application process for consideration.
Who can help me with questions?
If you are a student, parent, or high school staff member, we are here to support your unique questions. Reach out to our admissions team if you have any questions about CMU, qualifying for the Charter to CMU Guarantee or the application process.
What should I do right now?
Apply today using the code Charter2CMU. It’s quick, free, and the first step toward your future.
Ready to apply?
You're one step away from becoming a CMU Chippewa. Don't wait - apply today using code Charter2CMU.