Spalding vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spalding University in Louisville, 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 Spalding based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Spalding vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding 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 Spalding ($11,398 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 19.3% lower than at Central State University ($9,710 vs. $12,026).
• Spalding University is 262.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $21,142 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 190.3% higher at Spalding than at Central State University (about $19,142 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($19,429 vs. $18,654).

Spalding vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding 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 Spalding.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spalding University (960) is 100 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Spalding students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 875/1038; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 1.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Central State University (98.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Spalding vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $18,100 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spalding University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Spalding graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($258 vs. $403).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.