Central Michigan University

Scholarship

Central Michigan University (CMU) recognizes the financial challenges faced by international students pursuing higher education and thus offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities tailored to their needs:

Global Ambassador Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is designed for undergraduate international students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and actively contribute to fostering cultural exchange on campus. Recipients of this prestigious scholarship also serve as cultural ambassadors within the CMU community.

International Opportunity Awards: Available to both undergraduate and graduate international students, these awards are granted based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the CMU community. The awards aim to support outstanding students in achieving their educational goals and making a positive impact.

Graduate Assistantships: CMU provides graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships not only offer a stipend but may also include tuition remission. Graduate assistants typically engage in research, teaching, or administrative roles within their respective departments.

Global Campus Scholarships: Designed specifically for students enrolled in CMU's Global Campus online degree programs, these scholarships help alleviate tuition costs for international students pursuing remote education. They aim to make quality education more accessible and affordable for students studying from a distance.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within CMU may offer scholarships tailored to students in specific fields of study. These scholarships are often merit-based and require students to meet certain academic criteria or demonstrate exceptional accomplishments within their discipline.

External Scholarships: CMU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and governments. The university's scholarship office provides valuable guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these external funding sources.

CMU Merit Scholarships: While primarily targeted toward domestic students, CMU also extends merit-based scholarships to high-achieving international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and leadership potential.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and award amounts are subject to change annually. Prospective and current international students are encouraged to stay updated with CMU's scholarship offerings and consult with the university's financial aid office for comprehensive guidance on funding opportunities.

Finances

Financing your education at Central Michigan University (CMU) as an international student requires careful consideration of various factors, including tuition costs, living expenses, and available financial aid options.

On-Campus Employment: International students with F-1 visas are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during breaks. On-campus jobs not only help cover living expenses but also provide valuable work experience.

Off-Campus Employment and Optional Practical Training (OPT): Upon program completion, you may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing you to work in your field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM fields). OPT can significantly contribute to your income post-graduation.

Assistantships and Research Opportunities: Graduate students can explore assistantship opportunities at CMU, which often include a stipend and may offer tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching duties.

Education Loans: Some international students opt for education loans from banks or financial institutions in their home countries to cover tuition and living costs. It's crucial to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of any loans before committing.

Budgeting and Financial Planning: Develop a comprehensive budget and financial plan to effectively manage your expenses while studying in the U.S. Keep track of your spending, prioritize essential costs, and seek guidance from financial advisors if needed.

Accommodation

Central Michigan University (CMU) provides diverse housing options tailored to meet the needs of its international students:

On-Campus Housing:

Residence Halls: CMU offers various residence halls with different room configurations such as singles, doubles, and suites. These halls are conveniently located on or near campus, facilitating easy access to academic buildings and campus amenities.

Living-Learning Communities: Certain residence halls are organized as living-learning communities, where students sharing common interests or majors reside together. This setup fosters a supportive environment for academic and social interactions.

Amenities: On-campus housing includes amenities like laundry facilities, communal areas, kitchens, and high-speed internet, catering to students' daily needs and convenience.

Off-Campus Housing:

Some international students prefer off-campus living in apartments or houses within the Mount Pleasant community. CMU provides resources to assist students in finding suitable off-campus housing options that align with their preferences and budgets.

Graduate Student Housing:

CMU offers dedicated housing options tailored specifically for graduate students, which may include apartments or townhouses located in proximity to campus facilities.

Application Process:

To secure on-campus housing, students need to complete an application through CMU's Office of Residence Life. The application allows students to specify their room preferences and roommate choices, if applicable. It's crucial to adhere to application deadlines for securing preferred accommodations.

Services and Support:

CMU's housing services extend support through maintenance assistance and community-building initiatives. Residential assistants (RAs) are available to address housing-related concerns and organize engaging activities for students.

Safety Measures:

The university prioritizes student safety and implements security measures within residence halls to ensure a secure living environment conducive to student well-being.

Overall, CMU's housing options aim to provide a comfortable and enriching living experience for international students throughout their academic journey.

Cost Of Living

Living costs for international students in the United States can fluctuate based on various factors such as location and personal preferences:

Off-Campus Accommodation: Renting an apartment or sharing a house off-campus can cost between $500 and $1,500 per month, depending on the area, size, and amenities.

On-Campus Accommodation: On-campus housing options like dormitories or student housing range from $500 to $1,200 per month, influenced by the university and room type.

Transportation Expenses: Public transportation costs range from $50 to $100 monthly, but owning a car adds extra expenses like insurance, fuel, and parking.

Food Expenditure: Monthly food expenses can vary from $200 to $500, depending on dining choices and meal preparation habits. Utilizing student meal plans or cooking at home can save money.

Utility Costs: Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet typically cost $100 to $200 per month based on usage and location.

Entertainment Budget: Entertainment costs, including social outings, movies, and recreational activities, may average between $100 and $200 monthly.

Grocery Expenses: Groceries can range from $150 to $300 per month, influenced by dietary preferences, cooking routines, and location.

Clothing Budget: Clothing expenses can vary widely but might average between $50 and $100 per month based on individual needs and preferences.

Considering these estimates, the average total monthly living cost for an international student in the United States falls within the range of approximately $1,200 to $2,000. It's essential to note that these figures are approximations and can vary based on personal lifestyle choices, city of residence, and spending habits. Creating a personalized budget based on specific circumstances can help students effectively manage their living expenses while pursuing their studies in the USA.

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