University of Akron vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH with Central State University in Wilberforce, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Akron Main Campus is located in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Akron Main Campus 17:1; Central State University 16:1.

University of Akron vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron 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 University of Akron ($11,398 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 1% lower than at Central State University ($11,904 vs. $12,026).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 63% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $5,077 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.9% higher at University of Akron than at Central State University (about $10,757 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at University of Akron Main Campus (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 61.5% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($18,654 vs. $11,551).

University of Akron vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron 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 University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Akron Main Campus (1050) is 190 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming University of Akron students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; Central State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

University of Akron vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron 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).

• University of Akron Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from University of Akron Main Campus earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Akron Main Campus graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($25,500 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Akron graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($263 vs. $403).
• More University of Akron graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.