In fiscal year 2025, Central Michigan University (CMU)'s Football program reported $3.1M in revenue and $11.6M in expenses, for a net deficit of $8.5M. The program generated $3.1M in total revenue, led by Guarantees at $1.5M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Central Michigan University ranks 70th overall in total expenses (28th of 36 Group of Five programs) — below the FBS average of $36.5M. Central Michigan University competes in the MAC; financial data is available from FY2022 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Guarantees | $1,500,000 |
| Contributions | $747,108 |
| Ticket Sales | $543,597 |
| Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales | $133,830 |
| In-Kind | $102,507 |
| Direct Institutional Support | $23,199 |
| Compensation and Benefits provided by a third party | $19,899 |
| Athletics Restricted Endowment and Investments Income | $2,815 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $2,873,902 |
| Athletic Student Aid | $2,763,780 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $998,882 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $815,599 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $757,310 |
| Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses | $575,832 |
| Team Travel | $548,293 |
| Athletic Facilities Debt Service, Leases and Rental Fee | $519,837 |
| Game Expenses | $417,845 |
| Guarantees | $375,000 |
| Severance Payments | $243,954 |
| Recruiting | $242,698 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $216,954 |
| Indirect Institutional Support | $179,434 |
| Facilities Maintenance and Operations | $70,356 |
| Memberships and Dues | $4,885 |
| Medical Expenses and Insurance | $3,632 |
| Fund Raising, Marketing and Promotion | $236 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $3,072,955 | $11,608,429 | -$8.5M |
| FY2024 | $4,815,964 | $10,251,409 | -$5.4M |
| FY2023 | $3,960,981 | $10,996,154 | -$7.0M |
| FY2022 | $5,624,190 | $11,936,564 | -$6.3M |
The football program operates at an $8.5M deficit, generating just $3.1M in revenue against $11.6M in expenses, with guarantees — fees paid to appear in road games against larger programs — accounting for nearly half of all revenue at $1.5M. At $11.6M in total expenses, the Chippewas rank 70th out of 78 FBS programs and 29th among 37 Group of Five schools, spending a fraction of the $36.5M FBS average. Coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses represent the program's single largest cost at $2.9M, roughly 25% of total expenses.
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