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Central College

Pella, IA · Town · 1,070 students
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$23,377
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
68%
Graduation rate
69% typical
$54,317
Earnings 10 years on
$58,391 typical
86%
Acceptance rate
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Central College is a private liberal arts institution in Pella, Iowa, widely recognized for its robust pre-health, business, and education programs, as well as a highly successful NCAA Division III athletics tradition. The campus culture is defined by a close-knit, supportive community where students engage in hands-on undergraduate research, faculty mentorship, and local traditions tied to the town’s rich Dutch heritage. Setting Central apart is its pioneering commitment to global education, offering nationally acclaimed, immersive study abroad programs, alongside an award-winning dedication to campus-wide sustainability.

Location
Pella, IA, 50219 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
OMA · Omaha
154 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$20,988
Housing & food (on campus)$12,060
Books & supplies$1,335
Cost of attendance$34,934
Average net price$23,377
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$20,988
Housing & food (on campus)$12,060
Books & supplies$1,335
Cost of attendance$34,934
Average net price$23,377
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.central.edu
How it’s made up
Tuition$22,374
Fees$500
Total published by the school$34,934
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$16,231
$30–48k
$16,237
$48–75k
$19,532
$75–110k
$21,936
$110k+
$27,165
Grants from the school
100% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $9,529
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Merit aid
Awarded without financial need. Students with financial need can get merit awards too; they're counted as need-based aid.
Average award$10,506
First-years who got one118
Source: Central College's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures (PDF).
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
68%
Within 4 yrs
57%
Back for yr 2
80%
Transferred
21%
Pell students: 59.2% · others: 70.0% 
8 yrs after starting
69% graduated · 26% transferred · 5% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$49,115
10 yrs after entry$54,317
Debt
Median at graduation$26,984
Monthly payment$286
Middle 50% owe$9.5k–$27k
90th percentile$38,194
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
86%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1147
R 528–560 · M 528–560
ACT midpoint
22
Comp 20–26 · E 19–23 · M 17–27
SAT middle 50%: 1056–1120
40080012001600
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 87.1% · women 85.3% 
Yield: 21.0% of admitted students enroll 

Wondering if Central College is the right fit for you?

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Essay prompts
How much essays count at Central College: Considered (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Central College's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures (PDF).

If Central College asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 55%Women 45%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
11 : 1
Pell grant
22%
First-gen
21%
Family income
$81,191
Independent
3%
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
2%
Where first-years come from
In state (IA)
75.4%
Out of state
24.6%
International
0.0%

Most out-of-state first-years from: IL 34 · MO 7 · TX 7 · AZ 5 · CO 4

Race & ethnicity
White
88%
Hispanic
4%
Black
2%
Two or more
3%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$49,115
After 10 yrs
$54,317
Business Administration, Management and Operations42
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences41
Biology, General31
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods18
Accounting and Related Services16
Sociology14
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics13
Psychology, General11
Communication and Media Studies10
Computer Science8
Natural Resources Conservation and Research6
Engineering, General6
English Language and Literature, General6
Political Science and Government5
Fine and Studio Arts5
History5
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$99M
Full-time faculty
81%
Faculty salary
$7,780/mo
Teaching spend
$13,107
per student
Federal loans
70%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Central College is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search