Central State University
Wilberforce, OH1400 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce, OH 45384-1004
937-376-6011
Central State University (CSU) is a public research university in Wilberforce, Ohio. The university is a member institution of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It is the only public historically black university in the state of Ohio and one of only four in the United States. Founded in 1887 as a land-grant college, Central State University was established to serve the educational needs of African Americans in the Miami Valley region of Ohio. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines.
Central State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university's athletic teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC). The university is also a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
Central State University was founded in 1887 as a land-grant college under the Morrill Act. The university was established to provide educational opportunities for African Americans in the Miami Valley region of Ohio. The university's first president was Dr. George W. Forbes, who served from 1887 to 1890. The university's first class consisted of six students, two of whom were women.
The university's first campus was located on 66 acres of land in Wilberforce, Ohio. The campus consisted of a main building, a dormitory, and a few other structures. In 1892, the university began offering a two-year program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1897, the university added a Department of Education and began offering a four-year program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In 1900, the university's name was changed to Central State University. In 1901, the university moved to its current location on 240 acres of land in Wilberforce, Ohio. The university's first graduate students received their degrees in 1902. In 1910, the university established a School of Education. In 1925, the university began offering graduate degrees.
In 1929, the university was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1930, the university established a School of Music. In 1931, the university established a School of Business. In 1932, the university established a School of Nursing. In 1933, the university established a School of Social Work. In 1942, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
In 1947, the university established a School of Dentistry. In 1951, the university established a School of Pharmacy. In 1953, the university established a School of Law. In 1954, the university was accredited by the American Bar Association. In 1955, the university established a School of Medicine.
In 1956, the university was accredited by the American Medical Association. In 1957, the university established a School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1959, the university established a School of Architecture. In 1961, the university established a School of Engineering.
In 1962, the university was accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In 1963, the university established a School of Allied Health Professions. In 1964, the university was accredited by the National Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. In 1965, the university was accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
In 1967, the university was accredited by the National League for Nursing. In 1968, the university was accredited by the American Dental Association. In 1969, the university was accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
In 1970, the university was accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. In 1971, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In 1972, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
In 1973, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. In 1974, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. In 1975, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art.
In 1976, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Photography. In 1977, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Journalism. In 1978, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Communications.
In 1979, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. In 1980, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Social Work. In 1981, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Nursing.
In 1982, the university was accredited by the National League for Nursing. In 1983, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dentistry. In 1984, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Pharmacy.
In 1985, the university was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Law. In 1986, the university was accredited by
Quick Facts
Enrollment: 4021
Acceptance Rate: 58.04%
Type: Public, 4-year or above
Main Website: https://www.centralstate.edu/
Financial Aid: https://www.centralstate.edu/prospects/financial_aid/index.html
Annual Costs
Total Cost In-State On-Campus: $19906
Total Cost Out-State On-Campus: $21906
Return on Investment Rating
The estimated cost for four years as an undergraduate at Central State University is $81010.30. This includes the average cost of attendance for four years plus the interest on the average loan over a ten year repayment minus the average of grants and scholarships per student.
We then contrast this figure with average early-career and mid-career average incomes of graduates of four year programs at Central State University. For graduates of Central State University, we saw an average early-career income of $44800.00 and mid-career income of $72100.00. We then ranked the school's value based on how many years of mid-career income it takes to repay the educational costs.