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Central College

Pella, Iowa 50219

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

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

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79%Acceptance
1115SAT Avg
1,062Students
12:1Student:Faculty
69%Grad Rate
$54,317Earnings 10yr
$22,353Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate79.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1115

Reading & WritingMid: 565
490580
MathMid: 565
445625

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
1925

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

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

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

34.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

-5.4%/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

Incident Breakdown (2024)

1

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

1

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

2

Drug Arrests

2

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (40)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

73%

Mixed

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
10 Years$54,317

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

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

Nearest Airports

MCI Kansas City173 mi
STL St Louis228 mi
MSP Minneapolis-St Paul241 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1124 mi · ~32h 28m drive
New York, NY985 mi · ~28h 27m drive
Hartford, CT1044 mi · ~30h 10m drive
Providence, RI1109 mi · ~32h 2m drive
Albany, NY985 mi · ~28h 27m drive
Syracuse, NY864 mi · ~24h 58m drive
Rochester, NY791 mi · ~22h 51m drive
Buffalo, NY726 mi · ~20h 58m drive
Philadelphia, PA934 mi · ~26h 59m drive
Pittsburgh, PA677 mi · ~19h 33m drive
Harrisburg, PA841 mi · ~24h 18m drive
Newark, NJ976 mi · ~28h 12m drive
Washington, DC855 mi · ~24h 42m drive
Baltimore, MD870 mi · ~25h 8m drive
Atlanta, GA705 mi · ~20h 22m drive
Charlotte, NC780 mi · ~22h 32m drive
Raleigh, NC862 mi · ~24h 54m drive
Miami, FL1302 mi · ~37h 37m drive
Orlando, FL1101 mi · ~31h 48m drive
Tampa, FL1101 mi · ~31h 48m drive
Nashville, TN490 mi · ~14h 9m drive
New Orleans, LA807 mi · ~23h 19m drive
Richmond, VA867 mi · ~25h 3m drive
Chicago, IL275 mi · ~7h 57m drive
Detroit, MI512 mi · ~14h 47m drive
Minneapolis, MN248 mi · ~7h 10m drive
St. Louis, MO240 mi · ~6h 56m drive
Kansas City, MO181 mi · ~5h 14m drive
Indianapolis, IN372 mi · ~10h 45m drive
Columbus, OH529 mi · ~15h 17m drive
Cleveland, OH581 mi · ~16h 47m drive
Milwaukee, WI280 mi · ~8h 5m drive
Dallas, TX633 mi · ~18h 17m drive
Houston, TX816 mi · ~23h 34m drive
Austin, TX815 mi · ~23h 33m drive
San Antonio, TX885 mi · ~25h 34m drive
Los Angeles, CA1468 mi · ~42h 25m drive
San Francisco, CA1583 mi · ~45h 44m drive
San Diego, CA1459 mi · ~42h 9m drive
Seattle, WA1501 mi · ~43h 22m drive
Portland, OR1510 mi · ~43h 37m drive
Denver, CO643 mi · ~18h 35m drive
Phoenix, AZ1182 mi · ~34h 9m drive
Salt Lake City, UT987 mi · ~28h 31m drive
Honolulu, HI3977 mi · ~114h 53m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

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