More forgiving on GPA: The average accepted overall GPA (3.5) is in the lower quarter nationally, which makes this a realistic target for applicants whose numbers are the weakest part of their file.
The minimum is not the target: The stated minimum GPA is 3, but the average accepted is 3.5, a gap of 0.50. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.
Apply early: Admissions are rolling, so seats come off the board as the cycle goes. An application submitted in the first few weeks is worth more than the same application submitted in month four.
Accreditation status: Probation: ARC-PA currently lists this program as Accreditation-Probation. Programs do come off probation, and students generally remain eligible to sit for the PANCE, but you should read the ARC-PA action report and ask the program directly before depositing.
Stricter prerequisite grades: A minimum of B in prerequisites is tougher than the typical C. Recheck your transcript before you invest in the application.
Recency matters: Prerequisites expire after 6 years. Older science coursework may need to be retaken.
ONE-ON-ONE HELP
Book a Pre-PA Counseling session and spend thirty minutes one-on-one with a practicing PA who knows what admissions committees look for. We will go through your GPA, patient care hours, and school list together, and you will get a written plan for your next steps in your inbox within 24 hours.
Central Michigan University is located in Michigan. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.
At a glance
Location: Michigan
Institution type: Public
Program length: 27 months
Class size: 60 students
Start month: May
Application deadline: September
Rolling admissions: Yes
In-state tuition: $93,100
Average overall GPA: 3.5
Average science GPA: 3.5
Minimum overall GPA: 3
Minimum science GPA: 3
Minimum PCE hours: 500 hours
Letters of recommendation: 3
First-time PANCE pass rate: 96%
Accreditation status: Probation
Admission requirements
GRE: Optional
PA-CAT: No
TOEFL (international applicants): Yes
Supplemental application: Yes (fee $50)
Letters of recommendation: 3: Supervisor Healthcare Professional Advisor
Patient care experience: 500 hours minimum
Interview format: Interviews are held between August and October and consist of two mini-individual interviews, one small group interview, and one writing assessment. Interviewees will also meet faculty, staff, and students as part of their interview day.
Prerequisites
Minimum prerequisite grade: B
Prerequisite expiration: 6 years
In-progress prerequisites accepted: Yes
Required coursework
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or Human Anatomy
Mammalian Physiology or Human Physiology
Pathophysiology
Microbiology or Biology of Microorganisms
Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences or Introductory Biochemistry
Developmental Psychology
Cost
In-state tuition: $93,100
Supplemental application fee: $50
Seat deposit: $1,000
Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.
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Program website: Central Michigan University
Admissions page: Admissions information
Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 989-774-1730
Address: 1280 E. Campus Drive, HPB 1223, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Program information last verified June 12, 2026. Requirements change, always confirm directly with the program before applying.
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