Concordia University Chicago vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Concordia University Chicago is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Central College 11:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago or Central College? 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 Concordia University Chicago than Central College ($19,073 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 4.6% lower than at Central College ($11,510 vs. $12,060).
• Concordia University Chicago is 78.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $16,500 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.6% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Central College (about $16,500 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Concordia University Chicago (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 89.3% larger than aid received by Central College students ($26,361 vs. $13,925).

Concordia University Chicago vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or Central College? 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 Central College and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Concordia University Chicago (1090) is the same as at Central College (1090).
• Incoming Central College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Concordia University Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 21% at Central College.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and Central College? 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 Concordia University Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Concordia University Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have a $2,049 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,951 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago 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.