Central Michigan University (CMU) has announced a pioneering initiative aimed at ensuring job security for its graduates. On January 15, 2026, CMU revealed the launch of the Central Career Guarantee program, making it the first public university in Michigan to guarantee employment offers or acceptance into graduate school for its students. If participants do not receive a job offer or admission within six months of graduation, the university will provide financial support of $2,000 to assist with student loan payments or related expenses.
CMU President Neil MacKinnon expressed confidence in the university’s commitment to student success, noting that CMU already boasts a 94.3% Career Outcomes Rate. “We know that our approach to hands-on learning, leadership development, and student success works,” MacKinnon stated. “This Guarantee is an extension of our mission, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that our students become successful alumni.”
The Central Career Guarantee aims to address common misconceptions surrounding the value of a four-year degree. MacKinnon emphasized that the university’s programs effectively prepare students for their careers. According to the First Destination Survey, a national initiative that tracks recent graduates’ career success, most CMU graduates are employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in community service within six months of earning their degrees.
CMU graduates reportedly earn 26% more than the national median salary within two years post-graduation, based on data from Niche.com. This information places CMU among a select group of institutions recognized as Opportunity Universities by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education, underscoring its dedication to providing affordable and accessible education with strong career outcomes.
The program will be available starting in the fall 2026 semester for eligible undergraduate students on the main campus and those enrolled in online courses. Students opting into the Central Career Guarantee will need to complete a series of requirements, including regular meetings with career coaches, participation in career development activities, and attendance at various university events, alongside maintaining consistent class attendance and engagement with faculty.
MacKinnon highlighted the university’s proactive approach, stating, “By engaging students proactively and surrounding them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need, CMU will ensure that more students stay on track to graduate and achieve their personal and professional goals.”
For additional information about the Central Career Guarantee, interested individuals can visit CMU’s official website at www.cmich.edu. This initiative not only aims to enhance the employability of graduates but also reinforces CMU’s mission of impacting the communities it serves positively.
Media inquiries can be directed to Aaron Mills, Director of News and Media at Central Michigan University, at (989) 774-1197 or via email at [email protected].
