Central State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Central State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Central State University ($9,541 vs. $11,398).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 4.4% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($12,026 vs. $12,580).
• Central State University is 52.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $2,778 more per year; $8,058.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.2% higher at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Central State University (about $3,142 more per year; $13,200.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 170.7% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($18,654 vs. $6,890).

Central State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central State University or Potomac State College of West Virginia University? 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and Central State University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950.
• 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; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Potomac State College of West Virginia University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.06) than students at Central State University (2.8).

Central State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central State University and Potomac State College of West Virginia University? 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $23,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $14,999 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($24,001 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($248 vs. $403).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.