- What We Do
- What we defend
- Have your rights been violated?
  If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
  Submit a Case
- Make a difference
- Subscribe to FIRE Updates
  Subscribe to receive emails and texts about FIRE's work and upcoming events.
  Subscribe
- Take Action
  Across the nation, free speech rights are under attack. Join us in defending this essential quality of liberty. Make your voice heard and join a campaign.
  Protect Free Speech
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
  Explore Rankings
- National Speech Index
  The National Speech Index is a new quarterly component of America’s Political Pulse, an ongoing weekly survey that will allow researchers to track shifting free speech sentiment in America over time.
  Learn More
Colleges
News
Cases
About Us
Submit a Case

Central Michigan University

Public University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Free Speech Rankings

We use real student experiences, university policies, and speech controversies to annually determine the free speech rankings. This year FIRE ranked 257 U.S. colleges and universities and College Pulse surveyed more than 68,000 students.

Explore College Free Speech Rankings

Campus Speech Climate

Overall Score out of 100 55.20
Overall Ranking out of 257 188
Speech Climate Grade F

Student Perceptions Rankings (out of 257 schools)

Openness 228
Administrative Support 68
Comfort Expressing Ideas 86
Disruptive Conduct 45
Self-Censorship 232
Political Tolerance 225

Campus Speech Policies

Spotlight Rating Yellow

Speech Controversies

Deplatformings 0
Scholars Under Fire 0
Students Under Fire 1
Honor Roll Statements 0

Share this selection via email