Central College vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central College vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than Central College ($17,810 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 5.4% lower than at Central College ($11,411 vs. $12,060).
• Mary Baldwin University is 62.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $13,164 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.7% higher at MBC than at Central College (about $13,164 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Mary Baldwin University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 102% larger than aid received by Central College students ($28,135 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at MBC (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at MBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Central College (3.52).

Central College vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University and Central College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Mary Baldwin 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 MBC students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 53%)

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.