Purdue University Vs Central Michigan University: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Purdue University Vs Central Michigan University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Purdue University Vs Central Michigan University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Purdue University Vs Central Michigan University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Purdue University Vs Central Michigan University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.

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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan UniversityStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.4/5
4.3 Internships
4.9 Part time work
4.5 Post study jobs
4.7 Quality of faculty
4 Student Life
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3.7/5
2.6 Internships
3.1 Part time work
3.9 Post study jobs
4.3 Quality of faculty
4.8 Student Life
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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan UniversityCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
Purdue University V/s Central Michigan University MS
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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan University MBA/PGDM
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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan University B.E. / B.Tech
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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan University MEM
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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan University B.Sc.
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Other courses
- BBA (21 courses)
- Others UG (1 course)
- B.A. (44 courses)
- B.Arch (1 course)
- M.A. (9 courses)
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- BBA (21 courses)
- Others UG (5 courses)
- B.A. (21 courses)
- M.A. (8 courses)
- B.Ed (17 courses)
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Purdue University V/s Central Michigan UniversityCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1869
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
1892
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
871 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
Purdue University V/s Central Michigan UniversityCampus Comparison
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Country Facts
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on Purdue University campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2025
4.2
Rewarding journey for tech enthusiasts.
Tips: Purdue is a research-intensive and academically demanding university, so be prepared for a rigorous curriculum, especially in STEM majors. Time management and self-discipline are crucial. The academic environment is competitive but rewarding, with access to world-class faculty and resources. Transitioning from India to the US required adjusting to a different academic structure, independent living and more open classroom discussions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2025
4.8
Purdue has an amazing alumni network and is academically oriented.
Tips: It is initially difficult to move to a different country, and that takes time. However, with time, the university grows in you. Purdue has an amazing alumni network, so it's easy to find someone in most settings to turn to for help. It's extremely academically oriented and that's great.
Likes (Public transportation): The buses on campus are free. It is available every 30 minutes or less, mostly. The transportation between 8 AM to 10 PM is easily taken care of by the city bus system. Post that, students tend to resort to cabs. However, most establishments close at that time so it doesn’t really affect us too much.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): I personally would like to learn here and come back to India to work at some point in the future. But this depends less on the university and more on the job market and the current situation in the country. However, Purdue does have a good alumni network in most companies.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
4.2
Purdue has very good ranking and esteem, especially there Ms-Cs program.
Tips: One thing is to get a TA/RA/GA opportunity, as those are very few for new joiners. Start emailing professors and all departments, especially life sciences, for an RA, as soon as you confirm your admission, for the potential availability of positions. One good thing about CS students is that they can work at any department as software requirements are everywhere. These opportunities (TA/RA/GA) come with a fee-waiver and give a good salary every month! Purdue gets good funding. Also, if you see that you are not getting any assistantships, then you can apply for other hourly-paying on campus jobs on Purdue's career page, but these don't have a fee waiver. Purdue's MS-CS course can be very stressful if you don't select the courses wisely. At least in the 1st semester, do not go for difficult courses as we are mostly setting down. Don't just take a difficult course to try things. We want to get internships in the 1st year and a job in the 2nd year. That is why, don't overload yourself, as you might spend time doing on-campus jobs, home chores, etc. Buy second-hand stuff such as a table/chair/ other furniture from Purdue Surplus or join housing groups. People moving out give their stuff for free many times.
Likes (Safety): The area around Purdue (West Lafayette) is very safe. I have come home at 10-11 pm with public transport. The city buses are quite reliable and run after hours, at which the one I take (4B). There are emergency poles around the campus, where there seems to be a button to press in case of emergencies. Also, I see police vans standing around the campus as well.
Dislikes (Student Life): There are some good things that go on at campus, but graduate students are given too many loads that they cannot really enjoy the other things happening around. At least I can say that about MS-CS students. There are Indian communities on campus, who arrange good events and we enjoy those twice or thrice a year.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 800
Prepping time for classes36 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75000
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Batch of 2027
4.2
Mixed opinions about the University but grateful for the experiences.
Tips: Honesty, Purdue's quality has severely gone down over the years and it does not make sense to come here without scholarships. From a networking and opportunities point of view, Purdue is an ideal place and it is very safe and student-friendly. But if you are getting a higher-ranked university, I suggest you go for that.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5325
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 92925
A
Ashish Sagar 
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.2
It is a great Engineering University with lots of resources and opportunities.
Tips: It is a top Engineering school with a lot of resources available for everything. It has fast flexibility in coursework and a good policy for internships, so look out for internship opportunities. There are funding opportunities, but they might be restricted in some departments. It is a good college town where everything is built for and around Purdue.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1075
Prepping time for classes14 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 79825
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
4.5
Purdue Masters - Worth the money and your time
Tips: It’s going to be very competitive. Students should be prepared for that. Not much cultural shift as there are a lot of Indians here. The syllabus is advanced, we can learn a lot here. A lot of companies hire exclusively from Purdue, but currently, the job market is down for everybody.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101400
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
4
Really good public university, you get to learn a lot!
Tips: Purdue provides fee waiver for research assistant and teaching assistant position in MSCS. This is a really good opportunity for graduate and Ph.D. students. All the seems that we work as a TA/RA fee would be waived. I feel being a TA by teaching and assisting undergrad students during labs and office hours was a great experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1150
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
T
Tanmay Nahar 
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Batch of 2022
4.5
A place to grow in your career.
Tips: If you are here, make sure you enjoy as much as you can. You will need funding for this course so start applying for loans etc as soon as possible, because by the time you come to campus, it might be too late. You can also find some on campus jobs as part-time work so do not restrict yourself, there is nothing wrong in doing part-time job.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1170
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80585
M
Madhur Goenka 
Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management - Batch of 2023
4.8
A great place to study and propel your career
Tips: Though best known for its engineering programs, Purdue University offers a wide range of other courses to choose from which are equally good. The faculty here is world class. People in Indiana are nice and overall it's a homely vibe. Winters do get really cold though.
Likes (Public transportation): Fairly well connected by the city's public bus transportation system. Their app is also nice which gives real-time update on the location and schedule of the buses. Purdue students can ride free by showing their university ID card. Uber and Lyft are also available.
Dislikes (Student Life): Purdue University is in West Lafayette which is a small student town in Northern Indiana. Being a small town, the options for students to hang out becomes limited to only a few good places. Being said that though the places which are here are not at all bad just that more options would have been nicer.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 798
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100014
K
Komal Chhajer 
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2024
5
Purdue university offers great faculty for engineering.
Tips: The college and the town West Lafayette is quite student-friendly. You will have the time of your life here. Transportation is free completely for students and you keep getting freebies in college. The quality of education is unmatched. Professors are quite approachable. Surely value for money.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Student life is amazing here because of the tight-knit cohort. It is a small cohort, that is why everybody is connected and shares a good bond. There are several activities to do and sports to play. There are several events in college going on all the time.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Faculty are very knowledgeable. They teach very well and quality education is received. They have a good grip on courses and are experts in their field. There are many Indian professors in Business school, Krannert school of management. They are approachable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 688
Prepping time for classes16 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 86990
D
Divyanshi 
Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management - Batch of 2027
3.9
Very fulfilling experience.
Tips: I've come to really enjoy college life more than I anticipated. The professors are excellent but busy, so attend their office hours if you're struggling, or you'll fall behind. People are polite but also private, so respect that, and you'll be fine. Pack some essentials from home, like spices or specific cravings that you might not find here. My multi-purpose kettle has been very useful. The coursework is demanding from day one.
Dislikes (Value for money): Purdue is a relatively expensive school for the average student, but it's worthwhile with financial aid and scholarships. Considering the quality of education and professors, tuition is decent, but living costs can add up.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1975
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87525
A
Anonymous
BSc in Applied Physics - Batch of 2022
3.8
Interesting and an insightful experience
Tips: It is important to be flexible in your approach before you commit to studying full time. You will have to be self reliant and equipped in terms of taking care of yourself while ensuring that you spend adequate time on campus as well. This will be helpful in being a part of the community.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5925
Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 114275
Views on Central Michigan University campus
J
JT 
BS/BA in Logistics Management - Batch of 2026
Offered by Central Michigan University
3.3
There are very few job opportunities available for international students.
Tips: Studying here taught me how to slow down and truly absorb everything that is going on. Here, I got a lot of time to truly learn, grow and reflect. The downside is that there are close to no jobs and openings for international students, and a lot of research funding has been cut, which is making it seem like a somewhat hostile landscape right now. Detroit is a couple of hours away, and we would make it a point to go there every two weeks for supplies and entertainment.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3400
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 92925
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Information Systems - Batch of 2026
Offered by Central Michigan University
3.8
Learning a lot throughout.
Tips: Studying here wasn't my first choice, but it turned out to be the right one. The faculty is good, the people around are great, and someone is always happy to help. The city is peaceful, with plenty of Indians residing there. My program has some of the best professors, who are also very supportive.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2725
Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85975
T
Tharuni 
Master of Science in Information Systems - Batch of 2021
Offered by Central Michigan University
3.9
The university is good with highly educated lecturers with affordable tuition.
Tips: Central Michigan University is a good and top university with highly educated lecturers with affordable tuition fees. The faculty is good, and everything depends on us. There are a lot of opportunities on campus that relate to technical studies. You can explore as much as you can, and all of the faculty will be so friendly and helpful in academics, as well as in preparing and motivating you to participate in any of the hackathons or webinars. Try to participate as many times as you can, and you will find good opportunities with connections. On-campus part-time work is available if you apply in advance. I would definitely recommend the university to international students, but again, it depends on you to land a high-paying job or not.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 500
Prepping time for classes23 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75950
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Information Systems - Batch of 2024
Offered by Central Michigan University
4.2
Great learning environment with cultural exposure.
Tips: CMU offers a strong Master's in Information Systems programme with practical learning. Adjusting to the cultural shift was initially challenging but rewarding. I received a graduate assistantship that helped with tuition and living costs.
Likes (Student Life): The university provides strong guidance and resources for applying to and finding internships. The faculty in my department is accessible and approachable. They are quite friendly and open to solving any of our queries regarding academics or professional advice when we reach out to them through email.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 525
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87075
P
Praneeth Pogula 
Master of Science in Information Systems - Batch of 2024
Offered by Central Michigan University
3.2
The student life is very diverse and the faculty helps you to grow big in your professional life.
Tips: Initially, I came for the August 2022 intake and I stayed on campus for the first semester and had a lot of American friends over there and also made Indian friends in classes then moved off campus in the second semester which helped me save some money. People in Mount Pleasant are warm and welcoming, and there is no crime rate. We don't specifically have any scholarships for international students but I highly recommend students apply for graduate assistance as they will be selected if they score a good grade in the semester in all subjects so that they will be waving one subject fee in the next semester and it repeats every year if you continue as a graduate assistant. On a scale of 10, I would rate 8 for CMU in terms of university subjects, accommodation and the environment.
Likes (Quality of faculty): For Masters in Information Systems, we have highly qualified professionals who make understanding the subject very easy as they will clarify your doubts and also help you with the assignment doubts. The core structure will be divided into parts in such a way that from the understanding of the class you have to do assignments weekly and there will be tests every month all over the semester and one final exam. Every assignment and in-class activity will be evaluated and given a score at the end so I highly recommend not to miss any class. Here, I felt a different way of teaching style as compared to India. The professors at CMU will explain a topic and at the same time make you do the assignments based on the concepts they have told us so that we will be able to grasp them quickly and get hands-on experience on the topic.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant. Here there are no Indian restaurants or stores where people from India can try so we have to rely on American food such as McD, Burger King etc.
To have Indian food we have to travel to the nearest big city Lansing which is an hour's drive from Mount Pleasant or Detroit ( Farmington Hills ) which is a two-hour drive, where we can explore a lot of Indian cuisine and grocery stores, that is the reason why I chose one star for country food in Mount Pleasant. You can try Qdoba or Chipotle as these tastes will be the nearest to Indian food. A bowl will cost around 12- 20 $ depending on what your protein toppings are. As we don't have a lot of Indian options around Mount Pleasant we almost cook at home and invite friends over weekends to cook biryanis. Once every month we go outings to Lansing to have Indian food and watch movies.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 600
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80000
A
Ashish Pushkar 
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2022
Offered by Central Michigan University
3.7
Have fun, don’t stress! Study, adopt and take meaningful steps.
Tips: There'll be cultural shock for sure be it's a different country. But calming yourself down will help a lot. Thinking before doing anything is always helpful. Make friends, don't take on your heart if someone is making fun of you, you can make fun as well. I'm satisfied with the university, country and course I have chosen for my Masters.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70550

Priyanka Saini 
Master of Science in Administration - Project Management - Batch of 2023
Offered by Central Michigan University
3
Serenity but challenging
Tips: Campus is really huge so it's good for walking. College conducts a lot of activities so it's fun and students can enjoy. CMU could be the best option if you are looking for courses with reasonable fees and low living expenses. However, if someone is looking high standard and wanna see US life then I doubt CMU can be a good fit.
Likes (Student Life): Mount Pleasant city is mainly known for Central Michigan University so we only see people on main campus. There is nothing much to do outside campus. There is no single Indian restaurant in Mt Pleasant. However, there are places nearby where you can roam around but need to look for public transport if you don't have a private vehicle which is again a big problem. There is nothing much in Mt Pleasant but CMU is the main reason for being in Mt Pleasant. College conduct a lot of activities so students can enjoy their time in campus.
Dislikes (Public transportation): There is only one public transport iRide which has fixed spots for pickup and drop. For commute, need to schedule in advance and waiting time is too long. It's ok during summer but really challenging during winter because of snowfall. Most of graduates' classes are in evening and there is no public transport after 8 pm. After 8 pm there is only one which is at 10 pm and nothing in between 8-10 pm.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 815
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 98547

Sherly Nandha 
Master of Science in Administration - Project Management - Batch of 2024
Offered by Central Michigan University
4.5
I like CMU and never thought I made a wrong decision.
Tips: Life here is not as shown in movies. Prepare for the worst and you will survive not only here but in any other part of the world. Part-time jobs take time but you need to be patient. You can apply from India and come over here and work immediately. The climate here is very cold be prepared when you arrive. You can buy winter clothes here so don't buy winter clothes or a laptop if you don't have one.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty are approachable and they welcome any sort of disagreement in the class. I have fun attending and learning things, it is way different from India. The assignments are not heavy but still make your whole week busy. To meet the faculty you need to make a prior appointment and it's complex at times but the best thing is to get your doubts clarified once the class is finished. Faculty will spend extra time if you ask questions after class.
Dislikes (Indian Food): The place where I live doesn't have any Indian stores but the food can be managed if you can cook with what you get. Try to bring spices and a cooker from India and, if possible, avoid salt and sugar for immigration purposes. Food is not that big issue here you will adjust.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 461
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 81356
A
Abhijeeth Reddy Bobbala 
Master of Science in Information Systems - Batch of 2021
Offered by Central Michigan University
3.2
Hard to find part-time work.
Tips: Don't panic. The moment you enter the university seeing new people. Stay calm and join any student association they will help you in your hour of need. There are Indian stores nearby. There is so many Indian students association available. These are things students should know.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Most of the faculty in this university have high knowledge in their field. Some professors are doing research in their field that would benefit the students under the faculty. The faculty is very jovial and friendly with the students. They are supporting students in every way possible.
Dislikes (Part time work): Nowadays it is very competitive to get work. The only place you can do part-time is in college that too from 1st year 2nd sem. You will get that job only if your academics are high and with the connections you made with the seniors and with the faculty. Most of the cases getting part-time is hard.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 133
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
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