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Is Central State University worth it?
A first pass affordability and outcome read for Central State, using national average inputs. Run your own numbers for a personalized score.
Worth-It Score
Heavy lift
Central State lands in the heavy lift band for a typical family. The combination of $13,096 in yearly net price and $30,739 in median debt asks a lot relative to median earnings of $33,267. For context, Central State's net price is about 13% above the typical 4-year, public school. This does not make the school wrong for every student, but it does mean the price deserves a closer test.
Is the price fair?
Compared to 774 similar 4-year, public schools
This school
$14,821
/yrAverage school like this
$13,155
/yrNet price is slightly above average
You'd pay about $1,667 more per year than the typical student at a similar school. Over 4 years that's roughly $7,000 in extra cost.
Score breakdown
The public version of the score weighs affordability, after graduation outcomes, and repayment burden.
Affordability
40% weight
The yearly net price sits in a range that leaves more room for family cash flow and lower borrowing.
Outcome
40% weight
The outcome data does not create enough margin to fully offset the cost.
Repayment
20% weight
Repayment looks feasible, but not roomy.
The numbers behind the score
Median net price per year
$13,096
Median earnings 10 years out
$33,267
Median debt at graduation
$30,739
Graduation rate
24%
At Central State, a typical graduate carries about $30,739 in student debt and earns roughly $33,267 ten years after enrolling. On a standard 10-year repayment plan, that works out to about $350 per month, or 13% of pre-tax income. That sits at the tighter end of a workable borrower range.
What this means for your family
Central State is a public four year school in Wilberforce, OH. For many families, the key question is whether the published value here beats cheaper in state or regional alternatives once your real aid offer arrives.
Similar schools worth comparing
These schools share a similar sector, geography, or price range.
Public 4-year
Youngstown State
Youngstown, OH
Worth-It Score: 60/100
Median net price: $12,767
Public 4-year
University of Akron
Akron, OH
Worth-It Score: 61/100
Median net price: $13,946
Public 4-year
Shawnee State
Portsmouth, OH
Worth-It Score: 52/100
Median net price: $14,381
Public 4-year
Cleveland State
Cleveland, OH
Worth-It Score: 62/100
Median net price: $14,764
Public 4-year
Wright State University-
Dayton, OH
Worth-It Score: 57/100
Median net price: $15,415
Common questions about Central State
The median net price at Central State is $13,096 per year. That is the average yearly price after typical grant aid for students in the public federal data, not the published sticker price.
Get your personalized Worth-It score
National averages are a starting point. Plug in your actual aid offer, intended major, and family situation to get a score that reflects your specific picture.
Looking at public universities options in Ohio? See the most affordable public universities in Ohio →
The Worth-It Score weighs affordability (40%), after graduation outcomes (40%), and repayment burden (20%). Underlying data points come from publicly available federal higher education reporting. See full methodology →