Central State vs Salem University

Central State University and Salem University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Central State, known for its strong academic reputation, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process. Salem, on the other hand, offers a more open admissions policy, reflected in its higher acceptance rate. While Central State's student body is predominantly African American, Salem's student population is more diverse, with a significant proportion of international students. Both universities offer a range of popular majors, including Business, Education, and Nursing, but Central State has a higher graduation rate, suggesting a greater emphasis on student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and goals.
Central State University logo

Central State University

Salem University logo

Salem University

Overview

Location Wilberforce, Ohio Salem, West Virginia
Campus setting Rural: Fringe Rural: Distant
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Private (For Profit)
Calendar system Semester Non Traditional
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 41.0% 46.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 58.6% Open Admission
Application fees
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $35
SAT range 770 - 950 N/A
ACT range 14 - 18 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 1.0%
Students submitting ACT score 21.0%
Total number of applicants 8,019
Total number of admissions given out 4,702
Admitted students who chose to enroll 804
Yield rate 17.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A Not required
High school GPA Required N/A
Recommendation letters Not required N/A
High school transcript Not required N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $21,342

Out of state: $23,342
In state: $24,550

Out of state: $24,790
Average net price $10,598 $18,343
Tuition
In state: $4,842

Out of state: $6,842
In state: $12,750

Out of state: $12,990
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,600

Meal plan: $4,880
Room/dormitory: $2,880

Meal plan: $5,520
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

93.0%
Average amount $6,671
100.0%
Average amount $6,047
Students receiving federal student loan 29.0%
Average amount $5,983
92.0%
Average amount $6,308
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
1.0%
Average amount $14,583

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,035
Men 29.3% Women 70.7%
782
Men 47.1% Women 52.9%
Graduate students 9
Men 55.6% Women 44.4%
209
Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 2.2% 12.1%
Campus local/setting Rural: Fringe Rural: Distant
Dormitory capacity 1,380 366
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Education
  • Business
  • Education
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 25:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 23.5% 31.0%
Dropout rate 61.1% 67.9%
Transferred out 13.4% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,649
  • Year 2: $30,409
  • Year 3: $31,157
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,435
  • Year 2: $28,133
  • Year 3: $30,254
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $20,992
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $29,942
Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $21,508
  • Year 3: $26,666
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,055
  • Year 3: N/A
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $22,189
  • Year 2: $27,476
  • Year 3: N/A
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,967
  • Year 3: N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates)
  • Year 1: $60,949
  • Year 2: $57,705
  • Year 3: $60,253
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,404
  • Year 2: $52,643
  • Year 3: $55,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,540
  • Year 2: $41,342
  • Year 3: $42,478
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $28,271
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: $31,840
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,737
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $30,555
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $23,649
  • Year 3: $29,215
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,294
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $52,538
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $31,848
  • Year 3: N/A