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Central College

Pella, Iowa 50219

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Campus Vibe

Sciences-focusedTight-knitCollege town

Known for biology — close-knit campus

Central College is a private institution in Pella with particular strength in biology and business. With an average SAT of 1115, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A small campus of 1.1K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

69% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,317 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $22,353.

Campus Visits

114 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
79%Acceptance
1115SAT Avg
1,062Students
12:1Student:Faculty
69%Grad Rate
$54,317Earnings 10yr
$22,353Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Central College Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate79.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1115

Reading & WritingMid: 565
490580
MathMid: 565
445625

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
1925

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

79.0%

Trend

SAT Avg

1115

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$20,988
Room & Board$12,220
Books & Supplies$1,275
Total Cost of Attendance$35,177
Average Net Price$22,353
Median Debt at Graduation$26,984
Monthly Payment (10yr)$286

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$14,745
$30–48K$16,426
$48–75K$19,418
$75–110K$22,308
$110K+$25,764

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$22,353

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

3400.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$20,815

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

6

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Programs (40)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
1,062
Gender Split
46% / 54%
Women / Men
First Generation
21%
Pell Grant Recipients
21%

Race & Ethnicity

White 87%
Black 2%
Hispanic 4%
Asian 1%
Two+ 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate69.2%
Freshman Retention72.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$49,115
8 Years$51,064
10 Years$54,317

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$42,100
Men
$54,700

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

89Low

Estimated from IA state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Kansas Citypop. 500K
181 mi(314 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
240 mi(416 min)
Minneapolispop. 430K
248 mi(430 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Central College Application Checklist

Decision Notifications