Private nonprofit Institution

Central College — Pella, Iowa

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Annual Tuition $20,988

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 79%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,062

Active Students

Avg. Salary $54,317

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Pella, Iowa
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Central College stands as a pillar of higher education in Pella, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,062 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Central College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Central College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Biological Sciences
30.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
22.4%

Enrollment Share

Education
8.7%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
6.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
4.6%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
4.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Central College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Central College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Central College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Central College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 79%
Difficulty Low

Central College maintains an acceptance rate of 79%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 53.6%
Women Enrollment 46.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 490 - 580
SAT Mathematics 445 - 625
ACT English 17 - 25
ACT Mathematics 18 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Central College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $20,988
Out-of-State Tuition $20,988

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 21.4%
Median Student Debt $26,984

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $20,988, graduates see a median starting salary of $54,317, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Iowa.

What salary can Central College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $54,317

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 69.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $22,353
Median Salary (6yr) $49,115
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Central College in Pella?

1,062 Students

Gender Comparison

53.6% Men
46.4% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

72.7%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Asian
0.9%
Black
1.8%
White
87.4%
Unknown
2.3%
Hispanic
4.3%
Two or More Races
3.1%
International
0.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 21.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 38.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $59,591
Average Family Income $89,632
Median Family Income $81,191

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.1%
48.9%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Pella Campus Environment

Located at 812 University, Central College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Iowa. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Central College

Is Central College a good college in Pella, Iowa?
Central College is a recognized institution in Pella with an enrollment of 1,062 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Iowa based on Department of Education data.
Is Central College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Central College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $54,317. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Central College cost for Iowa residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Central College is approximately $20,988. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $20,988. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Central College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Central College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 38.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Central College good for Biological Sciences and Business & Marketing programs?
Central College is highly regarded for its Biological Sciences and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Central College?
Graduates of Central College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Biological Sciences. With a median salary of $54,317, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Central College?
Central College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Central College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Central College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Central College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Central College earn a median salary of $54,317 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Central College a good investment compared to other IA colleges?
Central College stands out as a high-value investment in Iowa. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Central College located and what is the campus like?
Central College is located at 812 University in Pella, IA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,062 learners.
Who typically attends Central College in Pella, IA?
The student body at Central College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 21.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Iowa

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Central College with other leading institutions in Iowa across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
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