Central State University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Salem University 19:1.

Central State University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Salem 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 Salem University than Central State University ($10,231 vs. $11,398).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 30.2% lower than at Central State University ($8,400 vs. $12,026).
• Salem University is 47.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $3,842 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.3% higher at Salem University than at Central State University (about $1,842 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 117.7% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($18,654 vs. $8,569).

Central State University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem 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; Salem University - Open admission.

Central State University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Central State University's six-year graduation rate (24%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $12,382 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($26,618 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $128 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($275 vs. $403).
• More Salem University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.