Central Michigan University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Central Michigan University offers a payment plan for all students, designed to ease the burden of lump sum payments. While this specific program does not decrease the cost of attendance, it does allow students to spread payment out over the semester without adding interest. Advantages: Easy online enrollment Monthly Payments Flexible Payment Options No Interest Central Michigan University also recognizes the need to adjust financial aid benefits for students and families in circumstances, such as: - Withdrawal of retirement funds for emergency purposes - Job loss or significant reduction in income - Loss of child support - Separation or divorce of parents - Death of a parent CMU works with individuals in these situations in order to get them the financial support they need to obtain a degree. The Pathways program is designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of first generation and Pell grant eligible students. First generation students are those whose parents have not attained higher than an associates degree. Pell grant eligibility is determined by the student’s expected family contribution (EFC) on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pathways targets these students then connects them to services and resources with the goal of helping them achieve: *Increased grade point averages *Advancement in their academic standing *Increased acceptance into majors *Increased graduation rates How does Pathways serve its students? Before prospective Pathways students take one class at CMU Pathways staff have mailed them an invitation to its annual Pre-College conference. The recruiting doesn’t stop there as Pathways staff continue to contact and connect with potential Pathways students reminding them to schedule summer orientation dates before they come to CMU in the fall. During these freshmen orientation programs, Pathways presents CMU’s many support services to parents and students including the Pathways program. In addition to making families aware of the assistance available on campus, Pathways staff sits down with incoming students and advises them on their class schedules and encourages them to sign up for Leadership Safari. During Leadership Safari, Pathways host new CMU students who have shown serious interest in the program. During this session students acquaint themselves with peers, Pathways mentors, current Pathways students, and staff. Through this program new students learn the expectations and benefits of Pathways. During the academic year Pathways students meet individually and in small groups with Pathways staff and mentors. Pathways students have the luxury of having an advisor readily available to help guide them to their academic and personal goals through comprehensive advising and connecting them to campus resources. Pathways also offers workshops and interactive sessions addressing issues relevant to the success of first generation and Pell grant eligible students. Pathways to Academic Student Success (Pathways) is a retention program at Central Michigan University. The program is funded by a six-year Select Student Support Services (4S) grant which is administered via Michigan’s Work Force Development Agency and the Kings-Chavez-Parks initiative.

Central Michigan University (CMU) offers a range of programs and resources for our non-traditional students. One great example of this is through CMU Innovation and Online. CMU Innovation and Online students will receive the support they need in their online/distance learning courses so they may be successful in their academic journey. Through flexible course offerings, specialized academic advising, and financial aid support, our nontraditional students can be equipped for success. In addition, CMU is recognized as a gold level veteran friendly school through Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Our Veteran Resource Center is another great example of the support to our non-traditional military-affiliated students with extensive resources available on campus and for those attending online or at a satellite campus. It should be noted that these two examples are not the only areas of support our nontraditional students receive but they both depict the excellent resources CMU offers to our students.

According to the 2022-2023 Common Data set, 76% of need was met for first-time full-time freshmen; 76% of need was met for full-time undergraduate students (including freshmen); and 59% of need was met for part-time undergraduate students.