North Park University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

North Park University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Park University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Park University 12:1; Central College 11:1.

North Park University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park 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 North Park University than Central College ($20,372 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 8% lower than at Central College ($11,090 vs. $12,060).
• North Park University is 74.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $15,722 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.9% higher at North Park University than at Central College (about $15,722 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Park University as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 75.8% larger than aid received by Central College students ($24,476 vs. $13,925).

North Park University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at North Park University (1030).
• Incoming North Park University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Central College (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 890/1162; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 21% at Central College.

North Park University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park 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 North Park University's (52%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than North Park University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Park University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Park University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Park University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 68%)

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.