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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 designation, open access admissions, and business and education focus. 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.
Application Strategy
Central State is the nation's only federally designated 1890 land grant HBCU, so if you have any interest in agriculture, environmental science, or urban food systems, highlight that connection explicitly in your application because those programs are a genuine point of distinction for the school.

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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 PriceAvg. 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

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

58%Black / African American
14%Unknown / Unreported
10%White
9%International
5%Hispanic
3%Two or More Races
1%Asian
0%American Indian / AK Native
Gender36% Men · 64% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status91% Citizens and Immigrants · 9% International
Central, Wilberforce Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch