National Louis University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

National Louis University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (8,915 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National Louis University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• National Louis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: National Louis University 17:1; Central College 11:1.

National Louis University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National Louis University 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 National Louis University than Central College ($13,150 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 18% lower than at National Louis University ($12,060 vs. $14,700).
• Central College is 65.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than National Louis University (about $8,283 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.2% higher at Central College than at National Louis University (about $8,283 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at National Louis University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 25.9% larger than aid received by National Louis University students ($13,925 vs. $11,056).

National Louis University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National Louis University 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 National Louis University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National Louis University - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at National Louis University (2.8).
• National Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (95.1%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.4% at National Louis University vs. 21% at Central College.

National Louis University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National Louis University 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 National Louis University's (26%).
• Graduates from National Louis University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, National Louis University graduates have a $7,163 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($19,837 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, National Louis University graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($205 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National Louis University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 44%)

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.