Central State University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central State University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or VSU? 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 VSU ($11,398 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 10% lower than at Virginia State University ($12,026 vs. $13,355).
• Virginia State University is 24.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $1,985 more per year; $10,043.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.2% higher at VSU than at Central State University (about $12,592 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Virginia State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 49.9% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($18,654 vs. $12,447).

Central State University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 100 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming VSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (2.85) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Central State University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($29,500 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($305 vs. $403).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (28% 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.