Central State University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Central State University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Tennessee State 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 Central State University than Tennessee State University ($11,398 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 7.3% lower than at Central State University ($11,150 vs. $12,026).
• Tennessee State University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $558 more per year; $8,616.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.9% higher at Tennessee State University than at Central State University (about $12,358 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Tennessee State University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 93.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($18,654 vs. $9,661).

Central State University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 110 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Central State University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($28,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($289 vs. $403).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (29% 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.