Central College vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Central College vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Bluffton University? 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 Bluffton University than Central College ($20,429 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 1.3% lower than at Bluffton University ($12,060 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 78% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $16,374 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78% higher at Bluffton University than at Central College (about $16,374 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 126.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($31,481 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Bluffton University? 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 Bluffton University and Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 90 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Central College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Central College vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Bluffton University? 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 Bluffton University's (59%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluffton University and Central College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bluffton University and Central College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluffton University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 67%)

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.