Central College vs. Maharishi International University

Comparable Facts

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

Maharishi International University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,592 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Maharishi International University is in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Maharishi International University 13:1.

Central College vs. Maharishi International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Maharishi International 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 Maharishi International University than Central College ($16,281 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 38.6% lower than at Central College ($7,400 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 27% more expensive for in-state tuition than Maharishi International University (about $4,458 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at Central College than at Maharishi International University (about $4,458 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Maharishi International University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 21.1% larger than aid received by Maharishi International University students ($13,925 vs. $11,496).

Central College vs. Maharishi International University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120.
• 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; Maharishi International University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027.
• Maharishi International University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 75.3% at Maharishi International University.

Central College vs. Maharishi International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Maharishi International 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 Maharishi International University's (50%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $29,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $12,037 lower median loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates ($27,000 vs. $39,037).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Maharishi International University graduates ($279 vs. $403).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Maharishi International University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 56%)

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.