Central College

School Overview

Central College is located in Pella, IA, 50219, set within a rural environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #131 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Central College has an acceptance rate of 86%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1056-1120 and ACT scores of 20-26. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.6.

With just 1,084 undergraduates, Central College provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 61% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 58%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Central College include Business Administration and Management, General (23% of students, median early-career salary: $68,027), Exercise Science and Kinesiology (13% of students, median early-career salary: $49,090), and Social Sciences (11% of students, median early-career salary: $47,227). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $21,934 per year. Room and board adds approximately $12,060. However, the average net price after financial aid is $22,578, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $20,117 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Central College's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Central College combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Central College is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.