Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Wilberforce, Ohio |
| Online | centralstate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
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Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Central State University is rated within the lower 13% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 2 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Central State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1017 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#431 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#42 in Best Colleges in Ohio
#12 in Best Public Colleges in Ohio
#47 in Best Value Colleges in Ohio
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 770/950 |
| ACT | 14/18 |
| GPA | 2.8 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $35 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Ohio Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,420 |
| Room and Board | $11,390 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $22,014 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,420 |
| Room and Board | $11,390 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,014 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 25% |
| Education | 19% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Central State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=201690 IPEDS survey data for Central State University.
Current students may use the Central State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025