KWC vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY 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 KWC based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 887 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kentucky Wesleyan College is located in Owensboro, KY (Small City setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kentucky Wesleyan College 15:1; Central State University 16:1.

KWC vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KWC 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 KWC ($11,398 vs. $20,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kentucky Wesleyan College are 1.4% lower than at Central State University ($11,855 vs. $12,026).
• Kentucky Wesleyan College is 330.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $26,615 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 244.7% higher at KWC than at Central State University (about $24,615 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kentucky Wesleyan College than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kentucky Wesleyan College students is 36.9% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($25,538 vs. $18,654).

KWC vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KWC 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 KWC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kentucky Wesleyan College (1010) is 150 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming KWC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kentucky Wesleyan College 890/1130; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kentucky Wesleyan College 16/23; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KWC - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman KWC students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than KWC (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at KWC vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

KWC vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KWC 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).

• Kentucky Wesleyan College's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Kentucky Wesleyan College earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,500 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kentucky Wesleyan College graduates have a $16,093 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($22,907 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, KWC graduates have an estimated $167 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($236 vs. $403).
• More KWC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.