Central State University
Central State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Central State University Worth It?
At a value score of 15/100, Central State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $33,267 — 38% below average — while paying $13,096/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 24% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $30,739 representing 92% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Central State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Central State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #61 of 68 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #61 | Central State University | 15 | $13,096 | $33,267 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Central State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in OH.
Best Programs at Central State University
The highest-earning program at Central State University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $27,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Journalism at $19,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Central State University earns $27,100, while a Journalism graduate earns $19,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $40,000 in median debt vs. $41,944 for Journalism.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,096/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,100 | $27,100 | $40,000 |
| Psychology, General | $25,600 | $25,600 | $34,039 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $25,400 | $25,400 | $35,500 |
| Journalism | $19,100 | $19,100 | $41,944 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Wilberforce, OH
- Student Body
- 2,620 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 24%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,096
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $33,267
- Median Student Debt
- $30,739