Central College vs. Park University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Park University in Parkville, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Park University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (5,736 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Park University is in Parkville, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Park University 13:1.

Central College vs. Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Park 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 Park University than Central College ($19,519 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Park University are 23.8% lower than at Central College ($9,190 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Park University (about $3,488 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at Central College than at Park University (about $3,488 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Park University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 41.8% larger than aid received by Park University students ($13,925 vs. $9,820).

Central College vs. Park University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Park 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 Park 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; Park University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Park University Aug 1, 2027.

Central College vs. Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Park 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 Park University's (39%).
• Graduates from Park University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Park University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Park University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Park University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 52%)

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.