Central College
About Central College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Central College is a private university in Pella, IA. It has a 79.2% acceptance rate and a 71.4% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,135 students.
Founded
1853
Location
Pella, Iowa
Students
1,070
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
86.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
66.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$20,988
Per year
Avg Net Price
$23,377
After financial aid
SAT Average
1147
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,317
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Central College accepts the majority of applicants at 86.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1147/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
66.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.9%
4-Year Grad
60%
6-Year Grad
66%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
81.1%
$/Student
$13.1K
Class Size
Medium
60% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$20,988
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,060
Books & Supplies
$1,335
Total Cost of Attendance
$37,773
After Financial Aid
$23,377
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,231
Receive Grants
22.3%
Take Loans
70.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $37,773/yr, including $12,060 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $23,377.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Central College fund their education.
While in School
22.3%
Get Grants
Free money
70.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$81,191
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,984
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,984 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $54K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Central College.
Gender
45.1%
Female
55%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,070
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
21.5%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (45% women, 55% men). 21.5% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,070
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Central College fields 13 varsity teams with 803 student athletes, about 75% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
American Rivers
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
803
75% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
65% / 35%
522
Men
281
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Central Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,317
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$56K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
—
41 grads
Biology, General
$27K
31 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$44K
18 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$59K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$38K
14 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $49K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central College
What is the acceptance rate at Central College?▾
How much does Central College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Central College?▾
How much do Central College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.