WSSU vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC with Central State University in Wilberforce, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WSSU vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU 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 WSSU ($11,398 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 4.5% lower than at Central State University ($11,484 vs. $12,026).
• Central State University is 31.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $1,932 more per year; $8,058.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.9% higher at WSSU than at Central State University (about $6,724 more per year; $16,782.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Winston Salem State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 85.5% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($18,654 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU 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 WSSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winston Salem State University (930) is 70 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming WSSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSSU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.01) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

WSSU vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU 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).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $13,337 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($25,663 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $138 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($265 vs. $403).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.