Central College vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union Commonwealth University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Central College vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than Central College ($17,124 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 31.5% lower than at Central College ($8,261 vs. $12,060).
• Union Commonwealth University is 47.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $9,958 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.4% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Central College (about $9,958 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Union Commonwealth University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 93.6% larger than aid received by Central College students ($26,961 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 80 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Central College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Central College vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 42%)

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.