Colleges / IA / Pella

Central College

Private nonprofit Pella, IA · Town · Plains · 100% data reported · Agent Insights

68%

Graduation Rate

$54,317

Earnings (10yr)

$23,377

Net Price

86%

Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Central College has an acceptance rate of 86%, making it accessible for many students. With an enrollment of around 1,070, the college fosters a close-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially.

The 10-year earnings for graduates stand at $54,317, which reflects positively on the potential return on investment. Although specific mobility data is not available, the college focuses on helping students succeed, as indicated by its 68% graduation rate.

The net price of attending Central College is $23,377, with a median debt of $26,984 for graduates. Students who excel here tend to be those in programs like Biology, Business, and Education. The college's supportive environment can benefit students looking for both academic and personal growth.

Rankings

#2 Best Biology Colleges in Iowa #6 Best Communications Colleges in Iowa #9 Best Computer Science Colleges in Iowa #9 Best Data Science Colleges in Iowa #10 Best Psychology Colleges in Iowa #12 Best Business Colleges in Iowa #13 Best Bachelor's Programs in Iowa #13 Best Master's Programs in Iowa

How Central Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

Cost & Financial Aid

$20,988

In-State Tuition

$20,988

Out-of-State

$23,377

Avg Net Price

$26,984

Median Debt

22%

Pell Grant Rate

70%

Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$16,231

Family Income $0–$30K

$16,237

Family Income $30K–$48K

$19,532

Family Income $48K–$75K

$27,165

Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$49,115

6 Years After Entry

$51,064

8 Years

$54,317

10 Years

0.5x

Debt-to-Earnings

77%

Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

93.13%

Mobility Rate

Bottom 20% → Top 20%

2659.5%

Success Rate

If bottom 20% get in

350.2%

From Bottom 20%

Share of students

$87,700

Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.75

Economic Connectedness

Cross-class friendships

-0.02

Friending Bias

Lower = more inclusive

6.6%

Volunteering Rate

1.00

Support Ratio

Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 86%

Retention Rate 80%

SAT Average 1147

ACT Midpoint 22

SAT Range 1056–1120

ACT Range 20–26

Full-Time Faculty 81%

Faculty Salary (mo) $7,780

Diversity Index 0.22

First-Gen Students 21%

Top Programs

Biology & Biomedical 23%

Business & Marketing 22%

Social Sciences 9%

Education 9%

Psychology 7%

Communications 7%

Computer Science & IT 5%

Visual & Performing Arts 5%

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Quick Facts

Setting Town

Region Plains

Accreditor Higher Learning Commission

Predominant Degree Bachelor's

Student Body

Female

49%

White

88%

Hispanic

Black

Asian

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →