Central State University
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384-1004
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for business — excellent value
Central State University is a public rural institution in Wilberforce, Ohio. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A mid-sized campus of 3.4K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
26% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $33,267 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,544.
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
71.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,740
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
21
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (31)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
51%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Central State University started in 1887 as a two-year normal and industrial department funded by the state.
- •It was first located at Wilberforce University, a historically black college in southern Ohio that was owned and operated by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- •In 1941, its curriculum was expanded to a four-year program emphasizing teacher education.
- •In 1947, it was separated from the university, and in 1951 renamed as Central State College.
- •In 1965, with further development, it achieved university status.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from OH state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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