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Central College

Pella, IA·Private nonprofit·1,062 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,062 students.

79%
Accept
1,062
Students
$22,353
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$48,400
Earnings
10 yr
$20,815
Debt

About This School

Central College is a private nonprofit institution located in Pella, Iowa with approximately 1,062 undergraduate students enrolled. Central College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,353 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $48,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Central College may refer to:

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 73% freshman retention rate and 69% graduation rate suggest that roughly 1 in 3 students who start don't finish, which is worth taking seriously. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a manageable $20,815, and the $22,353 average net price makes this one of the more affordable private college options. Worth considering if you thrive in a small-town, tight-knit environment and have a clear plan to stay engaged — but ask the admissions office directly what support exists to help students reach the finish line.

Founded
1855
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences31%
Business & Marketing22%
Education9%
Social Sciences6%
Psychology5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science4%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Abel MuzorewaKeen JohnsonDaniela GeorgievaMichael JohnsonHuston Smith

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1115
Reading 75th %ile580
Math 75th %ile625

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$20,988
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,988
Avg Net Price
$22,353
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$20,815

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,815
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,815
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White87%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,062 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Central College

812 University

Pella, IA 50219

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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