Central College vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Central College vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College than Central College ($18,790 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 22.1% lower than at Central College ($9,390 vs. $12,060).
• Columbia College is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $1,226 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Columbia College than at Central College (about $1,226 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 18.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($16,451 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 90 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Central College students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Central College (3.52).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Central College vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Columbia College? 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 Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,736 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 43%)

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.