Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($11,398 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 10.3% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,026 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 295.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $23,842 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.2% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Central State University (about $21,842 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 25.8% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($23,467 vs. $18,654).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral 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: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne University 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lenoir Rhyne University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($27,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($279 vs. $403).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.