Central State University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Central State University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College ($11,398 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 9% lower than at Bethany College ($12,026 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 356.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $28,707 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 265.5% higher at Bethany College than at Central State University (about $26,707 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 69.6% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($31,646 vs. $18,654).

Central State University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central State University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College and Central State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany College (990) is 130 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bethany College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (2.85) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Central State University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central State University and Bethany College? 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $16,800 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany College graduates have a $8,116 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($30,884 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethany College graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($319 vs. $403).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.