Central College vs. Chowan University

Comparable Facts

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

Central College is larger than Chowan University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 675 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Chowan University is in Murfreesboro, NC (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Chowan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Chowan University 15:1.

Central College vs. Chowan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Chowan 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 Chowan University than Central College ($15,206 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chowan University are 11% lower than at Central College ($10,734 vs. $12,060).
• Chowan University is 33% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $6,922 more per year; $27,910.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33% higher at Chowan University than at Central College (about $6,922 more per year; $27,910.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Chowan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chowan University students is 71.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($23,831 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Chowan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 80 points higher than at Chowan University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Chowan University 880/1145.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Chowan University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Chowan University (2.89).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Chowan University (68.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 12.3% at Chowan University.

Central College vs. Chowan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Chowan 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 Chowan University's (30%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Chowan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $34,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $8,150 lower median loan debt than Chowan University graduates ($27,000 vs. $35,150).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Chowan University graduates ($279 vs. $363).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chowan University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 32%)

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.