Central State University

  • 1/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Wilberforce, OH
  • 0 reviews
#12 Best Public Universities in Ohio

Overview

Total enrollment

2,708
Central State University overview
Central State University overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Central State University, located in the rural village of Wilberforce, Ohio, approximately 20 miles east of Dayton, is one of the nation's historically Black land-grant institutions. The university traces its roots to 1887 when it emerged from Wilberforce University as a separate public institution focused on industrial education and teacher training. The 40-building campus spans over 200 acres and features a mix of historic and modern facilities, including traditional residence halls that house the majority of first-year students. Central State maintains strong academic programs in agriculture, manufacturing engineering, education, and business, while operating as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution with specialized research and extension services. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Marauders, primarily participating in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Central State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) primarily serving the African-American community. Explore all HBCUs

Ratings

Central State University is rated within the lower 8% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 1 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    1 out of 10
  • Academics
    1 out of 10
  • Resources
    2 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    1 out of 10
  • Value
    1 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy
Central State University admission standards
  • GPA 2.8

Acceptance Rate

98.6%
Central State University applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 19.4%
  • Application Fee $35

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Ohio Resident Tuition

$8,058

Out of State Resident Tuition

$10,058

Breakdown

In State Costs for Central State University
  • Tuition $8,058
  • Books and Supplies $1,200
  • Other Fees $2,420
  • Room and Board $12,026
  • Budget for Other Expenses $1,600
  • Total One Year Cost $25,304

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$27,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

24% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Central State University are Business, Education, and Communication. 25% of students major in Business, 19% in Education, and 12% in Communication.

  • Business 25%
  • Education 19%
  • Communication 12%
  • Psychology 7%
  • Social Sciences 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Central State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=201690.

GPA calculator: Central State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026