Central College vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Washburn University in Topeka, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washburn University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Central College vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Washburn 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 Washburn University than Central College ($11,488 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 4.6% lower than at Central College ($11,501 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 111% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $11,043 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Central College than at Washburn University (about $39 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Washburn University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 42.4% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($13,925 vs. $9,781).

Central College vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

Central College vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Washburn 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $10,100 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($16,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($174 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 49%)

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.