Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.6%
- Retention Rate
- 51.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $33,267
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,739
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 16.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $326/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $31,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $28,133 | $31,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,055 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,476 | $30,599 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $25,967 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $31,000 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $31,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Central State graduates earn a median of $33,267 ten years after leaving, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 92% based on the typical $30,739 in student loans. Monthly loan payments of $326 consume nearly 12% of graduates' income, well above the recommended 10% threshold. The historically Black university has traditionally sent graduates into education, social services, and business fields, though career outcomes have been challenged by Ohio's economic shifts. With a 94.8% employment rate, graduates find jobs but struggle with loan burdens that impact their financial stability. The low loan repayment rate of just 16.93% reflects these payment challenges. This represents a weak return on investment.