Central College vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Central College vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University than Central College ($16,615 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 24% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($12,060 vs. $15,864).
• Central College is 113.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $11,148 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.3% higher at Central College than at Metropolitan State University (about $11,148 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 63.1% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($13,925 vs. $8,538).

Central College vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Central College vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $9,008 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($17,992 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 57%)

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.