Alcorn State University vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alcorn State University in Alcorn State, MS with Central State University in Wilberforce, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alcorn State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (2,995 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alcorn State University is located in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alcorn State University 16:1; Central State University 16:1.

Alcorn State University vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alcorn State University or Central State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central State University than Alcorn State University ($11,398 vs. $12,376).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 1.5% lower than at Alcorn State University ($12,026 vs. $12,204).
• Alcorn State University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $727 more per year; $8,785.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Central State University than at Alcorn State University (about $1,273 more per year; $10,058.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Alcorn State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 64% larger than aid received by Alcorn State University students ($18,654 vs. $11,375).

Alcorn State University vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alcorn State University or Central State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central State University and Alcorn State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central State University (860) is 30 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming Alcorn State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 670/998; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 15/19; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alcorn State University - Required; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alcorn State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at Alcorn State University vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Alcorn State University vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alcorn State University and Central State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alcorn State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Alcorn State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have a $10,750 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($28,250 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have an estimated $111 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($292 vs. $403).
• More Alcorn State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (34% vs. 16%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.