Bluffton University vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Central State University 16:1.

Bluffton University vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton 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 Bluffton University ($11,398 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 1.6% lower than at Bluffton University ($12,026 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 363.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $29,304 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 271.5% higher at Bluffton University than at Central State University (about $27,304 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 68.8% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($31,481 vs. $18,654).

Bluffton University vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or Central State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central State University and Bluffton University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bluffton University (1000) is 140 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Bluffton University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bluffton University 860/1130; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bluffton University 16/22; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Bluffton University vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Central State University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluffton University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($27,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluffton University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($279 vs. $403).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.