Central State University vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central State University vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State ($11,398 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 20.4% lower than at Cleveland State University ($12,026 vs. $15,104).
• Cleveland State University is 61.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $4,930 more per year; $12,988.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84% higher at Cleveland State than at Central State University (about $8,452 more per year; $18,510.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Cleveland State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 90.4% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($18,654 vs. $9,795).

Central State University vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleveland State University (1010) is 150 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Cleveland State students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cleveland State students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Cleveland State (91.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

Central State University vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cleveland State University's six-year graduation rate (30%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $17,500 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $181 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($222 vs. $403).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.