Central State University vs. Kent State

Comparable Facts

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

Kent State University at Kent is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (26,374 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Kent State University at Kent is in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Kent State University at Kent 20:1.

Central State University vs. Kent State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Kent 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 Kent State ($11,398 vs. $21,278).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 12.8% lower than at Kent State University at Kent ($12,026 vs. $13,794).
• Kent State University at Kent is 64.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $5,174 more per year; $13,232.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.5% higher at Kent State than at Central State University (about $13,024 more per year; $23,082.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Kent State University at Kent (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 85.1% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($18,654 vs. $10,076).

Central State University vs. Kent State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kent State University at Kent (1130) is 270 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Kent 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; Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Kent State University at Kent 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Kent State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kent State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State students have a 0.81 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Kent State (86.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 20.3% at Kent State.

Central State University vs. Kent State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Kent State University at Kent's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Kent State University at Kent earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kent State University at Kent graduates have a $13,175 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($25,825 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Kent State graduates have an estimated $136 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($267 vs. $403).
• More Kent State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (46% 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.