Scholarships for New Students
Apply to CMU and be automatically considered for our merit-based scholarships. No extra forms. Our merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen consider high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
You can earn up to 65% of your tuition with one of our Maroon and Gold Merit Awards.
Merit scholarships for Fall 2023—Spring 2024
Our Maroon and Gold merit-based scholarships consider high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. These scholarships cover anywhere from 20% to 65% of the value of tuition (30 new CMU credits per academic year) for up to four years. The value of these scholarships increases as your tuition increases for higher-level courses.
Merit awards based on GPA
We understand you may not have a test score because of cancellations due to COVID-19. We have test-optional merit awards, too:
Percent of tuition | HSGPA | Annual amount | 4-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
50% | 4.0 | $6,600 | $27,420 |
45% | 3.9-3.99 | $5,940 | $24,678 |
40% | 3.8-3.89 | $5,280 | $21,936 |
35% | 3.7-3.79 | $4,620 | $19,194 |
30% | 3.6-3.69 | $3,960 | $16,452 |
25% | 3.0-3.59 | $3,300 | $13,710 |
(Scholarship values are based on 2022-2023 tuition rates. Actual values will be calculated on 2023-2024 tuition rates and are subject to the availability of funds.)
Renewal requirements for years 1 and 2
- Enroll full-time (12 credit hours) for both fall and spring semesters.
- Earn at least 30 new credits at CMU each year throughout fall, spring and summer semesters (does not include CLEP, AP, IB, and dual-enrolled credits).
- Reside on campus during your first and second academic years.
- Must be enrolled and retain admission to CMU's Mt. Pleasant campus.
Renewal requirements for years 3 and 4
- Have a minimum CMU cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of your second and third years.
- Enroll full-time (12 credit hours) for both fall and spring semesters.
- Earn at least 30 new CMU credits each year throughout fall, spring and summer.
- Must be enrolled and retain admission to CMU's Mt. Pleasant campus.
Competitive awards for new freshmen
Centralis Scholarship Program
These Centralis scholarships include CMU’s highest merit-based awards. All high school students with grade point averages of 3.7 or higher and ACT composite of 27 or above or 1260 SAT or above are eligible to compete for Centralis Scholar or Centralis Gold awards. Application deadline is November 1, 2022.
Centralis Scholar Award
The monetary value of this scholarship is equal to the cost of tuition (up to 33 credits per academic year), fees, room and board, and a $500 allowance toward the cost of books and supplies. The scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided renewal criteria are met (determined by the Honors Program).
Note: Effective Fall 2015, the Centralis-Scholar Scholarship will pay 12 credits of tuition along with the room & board and $250 book stipend at the beginning of the semester. The remaining credits that students are enrolled in for the semester (up to 33 total credits) will be paid by the Centralis-Scholar Scholarship the week after drop/add has ended.
Centralis Gold Award
The Centralis Gold scholarship is equal to the cost of tuition (up to 33 credits per academic year). The scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided renewal criteria are met (determined by the Honors Program).
Note: Effective Fall 2015, the Centralis-Gold Scholarship will pay 12 credits of tuition at the beginning of the semester. The remaining credits that students are enrolled in for the semester (up to 33 total credits) will be paid by the Centralis-Gold Scholarship the week after the drop/add has ended.
Note: Recipients may not receive a Centralis Scholarship with the Leadership or Multicultural Advancement Scholarships due to the extensive academic requirements of each Scholarship Program.
Leader Advancement Scholarship
Leader Advancement scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding high school seniors who have distinguished themselves through a record of leadership in their schools and communities. Recipients are selected by a committee through the analysis of the scholarship application and a portfolio record of activities completed by the student. Competitors must have a minimum, cumulative high school GPA of 3.00. The value of the scholarship is $2000 per academic year and is renewable for three additional consecutive years if a 2.75 cumulative GPA and full-time continuous enrollment is maintained.
Lloyd M. Cofer and Multicultural Advancement Scholarships
The Lloyd M. Cofer scholarship is awarded annually to deserving incoming freshmen who are graduates of a Detroit public high school. The Multicultural Advancement Scholarship is awarded to high school graduates who through past activities or educational aspirations indicate an interest in the advancement of underrepresented groups in American society. The value of these scholarships is $4,125 per academic year. The Cofer and Multicultural Advancement scholarships are renewable for three additional years for recipients if a 2.50 cumulative GPA, full-time continuous enrollment, and successful completion of at least 24 newcredit hours per year are maintained.
Native American Advancement Award
The Native American Advancement Award is awarded to one new freshman each year. The award is for $3,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years. The award can be applied to tuition, fees, books, and/or room and board.