Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Central College

Pella, Iowa Β· Town: DistantOfficial Website β†—

#3049
Nationally
#53
In Iowa
79%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$20,988
Annual Tuition
per year
69%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
1,095
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
47/100
Average
#3049 nationally
#53 in Iowa
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes69
πŸ’°Affordability72
🎯Selectivity6
πŸ“šAcademic Environment12
πŸ”¬Program Breadth56

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Central College is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Pella, Iowa. With 1,095 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 79%, the institution is considered accessible. Annual tuition is $20,988, significantly below average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $13,988 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%, which is good compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate79%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
1,978
Applied
1,562
Admitted
274
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading490 – 580
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math445 – 625
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)19 – 25
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$20,988/yr
Room & Board$13,495/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$34,483/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$20,988↑ Above avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$13,988
$30,001 – $48,000$16,740
$48,001 – $75,000$20,292
$75,001 – $110,000$22,506
Over $110,000$25,885
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate69%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
1,095
Total Undergrads
47% F / 53% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 87%
Hispanic 4%
Black 2%
Asian 1%
Two or more 3%
International 0%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($20,988/yr) is well below the national average for private nonprofit colleges
  • βœ“Small campus environment (1,095 students) β€” more personal attention and close-knit community
Consider
  • Β·Data on some metrics is not yet available β€” contact the admissions office for details
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationPella, Iowa
SettingTown: Distant
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$13,988
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#53
in Iowa out of 7+ colleges
#3049
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.