Manchester University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Manchester University in North Manchester, IN with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Manchester University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (1,276 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Manchester University is located in North Manchester, IN (Distant Town setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Manchester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Manchester University 12:1; Centra College 3:1.

Manchester University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Manchester University or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centra College are 1.6% lower than at Manchester University ($12,424 vs. $12,625).
• Manchester University is 186% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $24,152 more per year; $37,135.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 186% higher at Manchester University than at Centra College (about $24,152 more per year; $37,135.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manchester University than at Centra College (100% vs. 0%).

Manchester University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Manchester University or Centra 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 Centra College and Manchester University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Manchester University - Test-free; Centra College - Test-free.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Manchester University (71.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Manchester University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Manchester University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Manchester University and Centra 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).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Manchester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $14,958 lower median loan debt than Manchester University graduates ($12,042 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Manchester University graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Manchester University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centra College students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 66%)

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.