Central State University vs. UWM

Comparable Facts

Compare Central State University in Wilberforce, OH with University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (22,450 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 17:1.

Central State University vs. UWM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or UWM? 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 UWM ($11,398 vs. $16,263).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee are 2.8% lower than at Central State University ($11,684 vs. $12,026).
• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is 29% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $2,340 more per year; $10,398.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.7% higher at UWM than at Central State University (about $12,340 more per year; $22,398.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 193.9% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Milwaukee students ($18,654 vs. $6,347).

Central State University vs. UWM Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming UWM 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; UWM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UWM Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UWM students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than UWM (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 23.8% at UWM.

Central State University vs. UWM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central State University and UWM? 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).

• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee graduates have a $14,042 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($24,958 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, UWM graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($258 vs. $403).
• More UWM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.