Central State University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central State University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Ferrum 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 Ferrum College ($11,398 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 9.1% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,026 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 253.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $20,462 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 183.6% higher at Ferrum College than at Central State University (about $18,462 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Ferrum College (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 84.6% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($34,444 vs. $18,654).

Central State University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 130 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Central State University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central State University and Ferrum 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).

• Ferrum College's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($28,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($289 vs. $403).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.