International Undergraduate Student Costs & Scholarships

Cost of attendance for international undergraduates

The table below provides the estimated minimum cost of living in the U.S. and studying at Central Michigan University for 9 months (one academic year). These estimates do not include the cost of living and studying in the summer. If you plan to remain in the U.S. during the summer, you will need to ensure that you have additional funds for tuition, fees, living expenses and miscellaneous expenses.

The United States government requires that Central Michigan University obtains verification of financial support from all students requesting Certificates of Eligibility (I-20s). F-1 students are required to take a full-time course load (12 credits for undergraduates) each fall and spring semester.

The figures below are an estimate for costs like tuition, fees, books, living expenses and required health insurance for academic year 2024-2025:

_{*Based on a 24-credit-hour per year undergraduate class load, living in on-campus housing with a meal plan. Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus for the first two years. Transfer students entering CMU with college credits are not required to live on campus. Dependents: You must submit proof of additional funds in the amount of $5,000 for each dependent spouse and $2,500 for each dependent (minor) child who will accompany you to the U.S.}

_{The international rate applies to students who are not eligible for the U.S. resident tuition rates, as outlined by the CMU Resident Status Policy.}

_{Rates are estimates and subject to change.}

Our Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is dedicated to helping all students with questions about costs and resources to finance your education. Email them at financialaid@cmich.edu. 

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Merit-based international undergraduate scholarships

You are automatically considered for these merit scholarships when you apply to CMU. There is no separate application and no essay for you to write. If you meet the requirements, you will receive the highest scholarship for which you qualify. 

Please note that any student sponsored by their home country is not eligible for an award.

International President’s Award

You will receive the U.S. resident tuition rate. If you qualify for the lower-level tuition rate (you have less than 56 college credits) you will save $8,808 per year. If you qualify for the upper-level tuition rate (you have 56 or more college credits) you will save $9,048 per year.  Amounts are based on the 2023/2024 tuition rates for 24 credits per year and are subject to change. 

Requirements:

• Overall GPA of 3.3 or higher (on U.S. 4.0 scale)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Minimum of 24 college credit hours completed (incoming transfer students only)

International Scholar Award

You will receive $4,000 per year for 4 years. Transfer students receive $4,000 per year for 3 years. 

Requirements:

• Overall GPA of 3.0-3.29 (on U.S. 4.0 scale)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Minimum of 24 college credit hours completed (incoming transfer students only)

International Opportunity Award

You will receive $1,000 per year for 4 years. Transfer students receive $1,000 per year for 3 years. 

Requirements:

• Overall GPA of 2.8-2.9 (on U.S. 4.0 scale)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Minimum of 24 college credit hours completed (incoming transfer students only)