Central State University
About Central State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Central State University is a public historically Black university in Wilberforce, Ohio. It is the only public HBCU in Ohio and offers programs in business, education, engineering, and the sciences.
Founded
1887
Location
Wilberforce, Ohio
Students
2,663
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
22.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,058
Out-of-state: $10,058
Avg Net Price
$13,096
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$33,267
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Central State University accepts the majority of applicants at 98.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
16/ 36
Average: 16 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
22.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
55.9%
4-Year Grad
8%
6-Year Grad
23%
Teaching Quality
21:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$4.8K
Class Size
Large
The 8% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,058
In-State
$10,058
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,026
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,929
After Financial Aid
$13,096
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$19,581
Receive Grants
52.7%
Take Loans
41.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $21,929/yr, including $12,026 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,096.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Central State University fund their education.
While in School
52.7%
Get Grants
Free money
41.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,475
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$30,739
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$326/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $30,739 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Central State University.
Gender
64%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,620
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
43
Graduates
40%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
48.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 40% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 9% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
2,620
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Central State University fields 5 varsity teams with 349 student athletes, about 13% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Southern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
5
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
349
13% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
70% / 30%
246
Men
103
Women
5
Men's Teams
4
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Central State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$33,267
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$29K
358 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$33K
288 grads
1yr Earnings
Education, General
—
147 grads
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
—
60 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
48 grads
Social Work
$48K
27 grads
4yr Earnings
Median earnings are $33K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central State University
What is the acceptance rate at Central State University?▾
How much does Central State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Central State University?▾
How much do Central State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.