Rockford University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Rockford University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Central College 11:1.

Rockford University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Rockford University than Central College ($23,642 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 5.3% lower than at Central College ($11,420 vs. $12,060).
• Rockford University is 80% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $16,792 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80% higher at Rockford University than at Central College (about $16,792 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 84.4% larger than aid received by Central College students ($25,671 vs. $13,925).

Rockford University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 130 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 21% at Central College.

Rockford University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 60%)

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.