Central College vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Ambrose University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,498 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

Central College vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($23,848 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 9.9% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($12,060 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 74.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $15,670 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.7% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Central College (about $15,670 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Saint Ambrose University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 85.8% larger than aid received by Central College students ($25,877 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 40 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming Central College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Central College vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and St. Ambrose 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 Saint Ambrose University's (62%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Ambrose University graduates have a $1,236 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($25,764 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Ambrose University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Ambrose University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 71%)

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.