Central College vs. University of Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with University of Providence in Great Falls, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than University of Providence based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); University of Providence is in Great Falls, MT (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Providence is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; University of Providence 9:1.

Central College vs. University of Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or University of Providence? 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 University of Providence than Central College ($16,598 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Providence are 6.4% lower than at Central College ($11,284 vs. $12,060).
• University of Providence is 45.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $9,460 more per year; $30,448.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.1% higher at University of Providence than at Central College (about $9,460 more per year; $30,448.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at University of Providence (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Providence students is 89.4% larger than aid received by Central College students ($26,370 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. University of Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or University of Providence? 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 University of Providence and Central College.

• University of Providence reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 100 points higher than at University of Providence (990).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at University of Providence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; University of Providence 845/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; University of Providence 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; University of Providence - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Providence Aug 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at University of Providence (3.3).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than University of Providence (50.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 50.3% at University of Providence.

Central College vs. University of Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and University of Providence? 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 University of Providence's (29%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than University of Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Providence graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Providence graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Providence students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 57%)

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.