Central College vs. Washington Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Washington Adventist University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Washington Adventist University is in Takoma Park, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Washington Adventist University 9:1.

Central College vs. Washington Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Washington 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 Washington Adventist University than Central College ($18,154 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington Adventist University are 5.3% lower than at Central College ($11,421 vs. $12,060).
• Washington Adventist University is 26.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $5,616 more per year; $26,604.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at Washington Adventist University than at Central College (about $5,616 more per year; $26,604.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Washington Adventist University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington Adventist University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Central College students ($16,527 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Washington Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• Washington Adventist University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 90 points higher than at Washington Adventist University (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Washington Adventist University 860/1130.
• 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; Washington Adventist University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington Adventist University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Washington Adventist University (3.24).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Washington Adventist University (46.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 9.3% at Washington Adventist University.

Central College vs. Washington Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Washington 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 Washington Adventist University's (27%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $100 more per year than Washington Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $47,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington Adventist University graduates have a $961 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($26,039 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington Adventist University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 39%)

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.