Central College vs. Union Adventist University

Comparable Facts

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

Central College is larger than Union Adventist University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 729 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Union Adventist University is in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Union Adventist University 8:1.

Central College vs. Union Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Union Adventist 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 Union Adventist University ($23,848 vs. $24,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Adventist University are 29.9% lower than at Central College ($8,460 vs. $12,060).
• Union Adventist University is 39.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $8,346 more per year; $29,334.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at Union Adventist University than at Central College (about $8,346 more per year; $29,334.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Union Adventist University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Adventist University students is 24.6% larger than aid received by Central College students ($17,346 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Union Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 30 points higher than at Union Adventist University (1060).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Union Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Union Adventist University 980/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Union Adventist University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Union Adventist University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Union Adventist University (3.44).
• Union Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 12.3% at Union Adventist University.

Central College vs. Union Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Union Adventist 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 Adventist University's (33%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Union Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Adventist University and Central College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Union Adventist University and Central College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 58%)

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.