Central College vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

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

Central College is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); North Central University is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; North Central University 14:1.

Central College vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or North Central 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 Central College than North Central University ($23,848 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 16.6% lower than at Central College ($10,054 vs. $12,060).
• North Central University is 53.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $11,232 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at North Central University than at Central College (about $11,232 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at North Central University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($18,112 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 40 points higher than at North Central University (1050).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at North Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at North Central University (3.4).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

Central College vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and North Central 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 North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Central University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 68%)

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.