Central College vs. Ranken Technical College

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Ranken Technical College in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ranken Technical College is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,784 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Ranken Technical College is in Saint Louis, MO (Large City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ranken Technical College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Ranken Technical College 11:1.

Central College vs. Ranken Technical College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Ranken Technical College? 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 Ranken Technical College than Central College ($18,286 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ranken Technical College are 29.1% lower than at Central College ($8,550 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ranken Technical College (about $2,980 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $18,008.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Central College than at Ranken Technical College (about $2,980 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $18,008.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Ranken Technical College (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 25.5% larger than aid received by Ranken Technical College students ($13,925 vs. $11,092).

Central College vs. Ranken Technical College Admissions comparison

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

• Ranken Technical College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Ranken Technical College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ranken Technical College Jul 1, 2027.

Central College vs. Ranken Technical College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Ranken Technical College? 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).

• Ranken Technical College's six-year graduation rate (100%) is higher than Central College's (63%).
• Graduates from Ranken Technical College earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ranken Technical College graduates have a $13,250 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($13,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ranken Technical College graduates have an estimated $137 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($142 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ranken Technical College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 60%)

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.