EIU vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Central State University 16:1.

EIU vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Central State University than EIU ($11,398 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 2.1% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($12,026 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 69.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $5,621 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.2% higher at EIU than at Central State University (about $6,159 more per year; $16,217.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Eastern Illinois University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 43.9% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($18,654 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is 130 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

EIU vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $15,350 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($23,650 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $159 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($244 vs. $403).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.