At $16,544/yr net price, Central State University graduates earn $33,267/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,544 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,267/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-733/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,739 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,607/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,661/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,187/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,211/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
25.6% of students at Central State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Central State University delivers poor financial returns that put graduates at serious economic risk. With median earnings of just $33,267 ten years after graduation and typical debt of $30,739, you'll struggle to achieve positive ROI on your investment.
The school's 25.6% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without a degree but often with debt. Even if you do graduate, the highest-paying program (Criminal Justice at $30,409 annually) barely covers living expenses in most markets. Business and Education majors fare similarly poorly, earning around $28,000 while carrying $31,000 in debt.
You face multiple financial risks here. The 51% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that force many students to drop out after freshman year. Low graduation rates suggest you may not finish your degree. The regional job market in southwestern Ohio offers limited opportunities for the wages these programs typically command.
Central State works financially only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that dramatically reduces your out-of-pocket costs. The school serves 42% of students with financial aid, so generous packages exist for qualifying families. You should also consider this option if you're pursuing teacher certification and plan to work in Ohio, where loan forgiveness programs can help offset the poor initial ROI.
Most students should look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates, poor earnings outcomes, and significant debt creates a financial trap. If you're committed to attending Central State, minimize borrowing and have a backup plan if you need to transfer or change majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central State University worth the cost?
Central State University has concerning ROI metrics with graduates earning $33,267 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of $30,739. The low 25.60% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky for many.
What programs at Central State University have the best job prospects?
Criminal Justice graduates from Central State University earn the highest at $30,409 annually, followed by Business at $28,133. However, even the top-earning programs still produce relatively modest salaries compared to the debt load.
How much debt do Central State University graduates typically have?
Central State University graduates carry a median debt of $30,739, which is concerning given that typical graduate earnings of $33,267 leave little room for loan payments. The debt-to-income ratio suggests financial strain for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Central State University?
Only 25.60% of students graduate from Central State University, meaning three out of four students don't complete their degree. This extremely low completion rate significantly increases the risk of student debt without the benefit of a diploma.