Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Pella, Iowa |
| Online | central.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Religious Affiliation | Reformed Church in America |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Central College, located in Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution rooted in the Christian tradition. Established in 1853, the college offers a picturesque campus that boasts historical Dutch architecture, reflecting the town's rich European heritage. Central is situated approximately forty miles southeast of Des Moines, providing students with a blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities. The college is known for a spectrum of majors with notable programs in education, business management, and exercise science. Central College maintains a moderately selective admission process, and students are encouraged to live on campus, with a variety of housing options available, including residence halls and townhouse-style living. While Central participates in NCAA Division III athletics, it does not specifically emphasize sports achievement as a defining characteristic.
In the most recent statistical year 1,970 prospective students applied, and 1,561 were granted admission. Of those admitted 351 enrolled in the school. 1,118 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 51 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $19,800 plus fees of $0. Central College is ranked 519 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Central College is rated within the top 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Central College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#519 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#362 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#8 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#545 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1040/1218 |
| ACT | 19/26 |
| GPA | 3.52 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,275 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $10,860 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,242 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,177 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 17% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Biology | 8% |
| Foreign Languages | 7% |
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Students considering Central College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Central College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153108 IPEDS survey data for Central College.
Current students may use the Central College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024