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Central State University vs Denison University

Central State University is a public university in Wilberforce, OH. Denison University is a private university in Granville, OH. Denison University admits about 17% of applicants and Central State University about 99%, making Denison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,096 a year at Central State University after aid, and about $40,007 at Denison University. About 79% of students graduate at Denison University, compared with 24% at Central State University. Ten years after enrolling, Denison University alumni earn a median of about $67,753, against $33,267 for Central State University.

Central State University

Wilberforce, OH · Public

Denison University

Granville, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Wilberforce, OH
Granville, OH
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,620
2,380
Acceptance rate
99%
17%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.02–3.52
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
770–950
1320–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
14–18
30–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,096
$40,007
Full cost / yr
$21,929
$81,900
In-state tuition
$8,058
$67,000
Out-of-state tuition
$10,058
$67,000
Application fee
$35
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,581
$16,656
$30k - $48k
$7,161
$13,086
$48k - $75k
$8,773
$17,827
$75k - $110k
$10,343
$20,839
Over $110k
$10,187
$48,472
Outcomes
Graduation rate
24%
79%
Freshman retention
56%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$27,173
$51,352
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,267
$67,753
Median debt at graduation
$30,739
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
53%
13%
First-generation students
40%
17%
International students
9%
17%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central State University or Denison University harder to get into?
Denison University is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 99% at Central State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central State University or Denison University?
Central State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,007 at Denison University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central State University and Denison University?
Before aid, Central State University costs about $21,929 a year and Denison University about $81,900. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central State University or Denison University?
Denison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,656 there, against about $19,581 at Central State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central State University or Denison University?
Central State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,620 undergraduates against 2,380 at Denison University.
Does Central State University or Denison University have a better graduation rate?
Denison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 24% at Central State University.
Do graduates of Central State University or Denison University earn more?
Denison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,753 ten years after enrolling, against about $33,267 for Central State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central State University and Denison University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Denison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central State University and Denison University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 770–950 at Central State University and 1320–1490 at Denison University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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