About

About Central State University

hbcupublic universityopen access admissionsbusiness and education focusohio based

Central State University is a public liberal arts college in Wilberforce, OH, known for its hbcu, public university, and open access admissions. With an acceptance rate of 89%, Central is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 614 students each year. Central is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. Central offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $7,200 per year; the sticker price of $22,442 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Central State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

89%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Central State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Central State University is one of Ohio's two HBCUs, so use your essays and any additional materials to speak directly to why you want to be part of an HBCU community and what that environment means for your academic and personal growth.
Test Score Strategy
Central State is test optional, and with a score below their 75th percentile you are better off not submitting it so the rest of your application, your GPA and activities, takes center stage.

Get a tailored strategy for Central State University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Central State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$22k/yr$19.6k
30k-48k~$22k/yr$7.2k
48k-75k~$22k/yr$8.8k
75k-110k~$22k/yr$10.3k
110k+~$22k/yr$10.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

26%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$27k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,747
Undergrad Enrollment
Central State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch