Central College vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Central College vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or BLC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bethany Lutheran College than Central College ($21,127 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 28.5% lower than at Central College ($8,620 vs. $12,060).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 49.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $10,372 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.4% higher at BLC than at Central College (about $10,372 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 42.7% larger than aid received by Central College students ($19,865 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or BLC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BLC and Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 20 points higher than at Central College (1090).
• Incoming Central College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at BLC (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at BLC (3.51).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 34% at BLC.

Central College vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and BLC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.