Marquette University vs Central Michigan University: Which is better for me?

I'm trying to decide between Marquette and Central Michigan for college. What are the main differences in terms of academics, campus life, and extracurricular opportunities? Any pros and cons that I should be aware of before making my decision?

Both Marquette University and Central Michigan University have their own unique offerings, and the better choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and goals. Let's break down the differences between the two in terms of academics, campus life, and extracurricular opportunities.

Academics:

Marquette is a private Jesuit university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's renowned for its strong programs in business, nursing, engineering, and the health sciences. Its smaller size (around 11,500 students) means you'll likely benefit from more personalized attention from professors and smaller class sizes.

Central Michigan, on the other hand, is a public university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It has a wider range of undergraduate programs and a larger student body of around 21,000 students. Some of its popular programs include education, journalism, and sports management. Class sizes might be larger, especially for lower-level courses.

Campus Life:

Marquette University's urban setting allows students to experience the culture, food, and entertainment options of Milwaukee. Additionally, the university is home to a more diverse student body, and there are many religious and spiritual programs available, thanks to its Jesuit identity.

Central Michigan has a more traditional college town feel. Mount Pleasant offers a mix of small-town charm and college-town vibe, which may appeal to those looking for a tight-knit community. CMU has a strong sense of school spirit, with strong athletic programs and active participation in NCAA Division I sports.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

Marquette offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations, ranging from student government to service groups, art clubs, and professional organizations. They also have a strong Greek life presence and opportunities for community service.

At Central Michigan, you'll also find a broad array of clubs and organizations to join, as well as opportunities for student leadership and involvement in the campus community. Greek life is present, although it might be less prominent than at Marquette.

Pros and Cons:

Marquette:

Pros: Strong academics in selected fields, urban setting, diverse student body, Jesuit identity offers religious/spiritual opportunities, more personalized learning experiences

Cons: Cost could be higher since it is a private institution, might be less suitable for students seeking a more traditional college town experience

Central Michigan:

Pros: Diverse range of academic programs, traditional college town atmosphere, strong school spirit and athletics, potentially lower cost compared to Marquette due to its public status

Cons: Larger class sizes possible, fewer urban amenities due to its location in Mount Pleasant

Ultimately, you should consider factors such as your academic interests, financial situation, social preferences, and whether you prefer an urban setting or a more traditional college town experience when selecting between Marquette University and Central Michigan University. Admittedly, visiting both campuses and talking to current students would provide valuable insight to help you make an informed decision.