CSU vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Central State University 16:1.

CSU vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Central 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 Chicago State University than Central State University ($10,441 vs. $11,398).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 4% lower than at Central State University ($11,550 vs. $12,026).
• Chicago State University is 58.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $4,696 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at CSU than at Central State University (about $2,696 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University as at Central State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($18,654 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chicago State University (860) is the same as at Central State University (860).
• Incoming CSU 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: Chicago State University 750/963; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

CSU vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Central 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).

• Central State University's six-year graduation rate (24%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Chicago State University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,300 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chicago State University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($31,250 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($323 vs. $403).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (25% 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.