IU South Bend vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, IN with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana University South Bend is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (4,631 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IU South Bend vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend than Central College ($9,003 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 15.6% lower than at Central College ($10,184 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 149.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $12,564 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at IU South Bend than at Central College (about $1,823 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Indiana University South Bend (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 66.3% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($13,925 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 20 points higher than at IU South Bend (1070).
• Incoming Central College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at IU South Bend).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at IU South Bend (3.24).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than IU South Bend (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 21% at Central College.

IU South Bend vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University South Bend graduates have a $2,470 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,530 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, IU South Bend graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 47%)

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.