Rockford University vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, 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 Rockford University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Central State University 16:1.

Rockford University vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Rockford University ($11,398 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 5% lower than at Central State University ($11,420 vs. $12,026).
• Rockford University is 368.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $29,722 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 275.6% higher at Rockford University than at Central State University (about $27,722 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Rockford University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 37.6% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($25,671 vs. $18,654).

Rockford University vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockford University (960) is 100 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Rockford University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Rockford University (92.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Rockford University vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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).

• Rockford University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($258 vs. $403).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.