What SAT score do I need for Central College?

Central College's middle 50% SAT range is 1056 to 1120. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

What ACT score do I need for Central College?

Middle 50% ACT range is 20 to 26. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

What is the acceptance rate at Central College?

Central College admits roughly 86% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

What does Central College actually cost after financial aid?

Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $23,377 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

Is Central College a reach, match, or safety for me?

Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Central College as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

Central College

Pella, IA · Midwest

Acceptance rate: 86.2%
SAT mid-50: 1056-1120
Cost after aid: $23,377
Graduation rate: 66%

What Central College says matters

How Central College rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

Acceptance rate: 86%; 1,470 of 1,706
Yield: 21%; 309 enrolled
ACT mid-50: 20-26
CDS year: 2024-25

Acceptance rate by gender

Men: 87%821 of 943
Women: 85%643 of 754

Very important

Rigor of secondary school record

Important

Class rank
Academic GPA

Considered

Standardized test scores
Application essay
Interview
Extracurricular activities
First generation
Volunteer work
Work experience

Not considered

Geographical residence
State residency

The full Common Data Set

Every figure Central College published for 2024-25, section by section.

First-Time, First-Year Admission115

Entrance Exams

In addition, does your institution use applicants' test scores for academic advising?: Yes
SAT: X
ACT: X
AP: X
Does your institution make use of SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions for first-time, first-year, degree-seeking applicants?: No

Applications

Total first-time, first-year men who applied: 943
Total first-time, first-year women who applied: 754
Total first-time, first-year another gender who applied: 6
Total first-time, first-year unknown gender who applied: 3
Total first-time, first-year men who were admitted: 821
Total first-time, first-year women who were admitted: 643
Total first-time, first-year another gender who were admitted: 4
Total first-time, first-year unknown gender who were admitted: 2
Total full-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 177
Total part-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 0
Total full-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 130
Total part-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 1
Total full-time, first-time, first-year another gender who enrolled: 0
Total part-time, first-time, first-year another gender who enrolled: 0
Total full-time, first-time, first-year unknown gender who enrolled: 1
Total part-time, first-time, first-year unknown gender who enrolled: 0
Total first-time, first-year students who applied: 1,706
Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted: 1,470
Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled: 309
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 979
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 879
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 241
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 727
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 591
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 69
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 0
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 0
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 0
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 0
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 0
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 0

Wait List

Do you have a policy of placing students on a waiting list?: No

Basis for Selection

Rigor of secondary school record: Very Important
Class rank: Important
Academic GPA: Important
Standardized test scores: Considered
Application Essay: Considered
Interview: Considered
Extracurricular activities: Considered
First generation: Considered
Geographical residence: Not Considered
State residency: Not Considered
Volunteer work: Considered
Work experience: Considered

First-time, first-year Profile

Submitting SAT Scores: 0.03
Submitting ACT Scores: 0.42
Submitting SAT Scores: 8
Submitting ACT Scores: 131
ACT Composite: 25th Percentile: 20%
ACT Composite: 50th Percentile: 23%
ACT Composite: 75th Percentile: 26%
SAT Composite: 1400-1600: 0
SAT Composite: 1200-1399: 0
SAT Composite: 1000-1199: 100
SAT Composite: 800-999: 0
SAT Composite: 600-799: 0
SAT Composite: 400-599: 0
SAT Composite: Total: 100
ACT Composite: 30-36: 5.34
ACT Composite: 24-29: 43.51
ACT Composite: 18-23: 41.98
ACT Composite: 12-17: 8.4
ACT Composite: 6-11: 0.77
ACT Composite: Below 6: 0
ACT Composite: Total: 100
Percent in top tenth of high school graduating class: 19%
Percent in top quarter of high school graduating class: 45%
Percent in bottom quarter of high school graduating class: 5.0%
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school class rank:: 57%
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 33%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 34%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 12%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 8.0%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 5.1%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 8.0%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 0
Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99: 0
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 12%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 21%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 19%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 11%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 4.7%
Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99: 0
Total: 100
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 21%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 27%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 14%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 14%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 11%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 9.4%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 2.9%
Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99: 0
Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:: 3.56
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:: 100%

Admission Policies

Does your institution have an application fee?: Yes
Amount of application fee:: 25
Can it be waived for applicants with financial need?: Yes
Same fee: X
Application closing date (fall): 8
Priority Date: 1
Yes, on a rolling basis:: X
Beginning date: 8
Yes, by:: 1
Other Date: 2
Does your institution allow students to postpone enrollment after admission?: Yes
Does your institution allow high school students to enroll as full-time, first-time, first-year students one year or more before high school graduation?: No
Does your institution offer an early decision plan (an admission plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date and that asks students to commit to attending if accepted) for first-time, first-year applicants for fall enrollment?: No
Do you have a nonbinding early action plan whereby students are notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date but do not have to commit to attending your college?: No

Transfer Admission30

Fall Applicants

Does your institution enroll transfer students? (If no, please skip to Section E): Yes
If yes, may transfer students earn advanced standing credit by transferring credits earned from course work completed at other colleges/universities?: Yes
Men: 72
Women: 64
Another Gender: 0
Unknown: 136
Total: 24
Men: 26
Women: 0
Another Gender: 50
Unknown: 12
Total: 15
Men: 0
Women: 27

Application for Admission

Fall: X
Spring: X
Must a transfer applicant have a minimum number of credits completed or else must apply as an entering first-year student?: No
High school transcript: Required of Some
College transcript(s): Required of All
Essay or personal statement: Not Required
Interview: Not Required
Standardized test scores: Not Required
Statement of good standing from prior institution(s): Not Required
List any other application requirements specific to transfer applicants:: D9 List application priority, closing, notification, and candidate reply dates for transfer students. If applications
Does an open admission policy, if reported, apply to transfer students?: No
Describe additional requirements for transfer admission, if applicable:: CDS-D Page 22 Common Data Set 2024-2025

Transfer Credit Policies

Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:: 45
American Council on Education (ACE): No
College Level Examination Program (CLEP): No
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): No

Academic Offerings and Policies14

Special Study Options

Accelerated program: X
Distance learning: X
Double major: X
Dual enrollment: X
Honors Program: X
Independent study: X
Internships: X
Student-designed major: X
Study abroad: X
Teacher certification program: X
Undergraduate Research: X

Required Course Work

Foreign languages: X
Intensive writing: X
Other (describe):: X

Student Life30

Percent Participating

Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 25%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 100%
Percent of women who join sororities: 100%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 98%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 2.0%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0
Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 25%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 2.0%
Percent of women who join sororities: 3.0%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 95%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 5.0%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0

Average Age

Average age of full-time students: 18
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 18
Average age of full-time students: 20
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 20

Activities Offered

Campus Ministries: X
Choral groups: X
Concert band: X
Dance: X
Drama/theater: X
Literary magazine: X
Music ensembles: X
Musical theater: X
Pep band: X
Student government: X

Housing

Coed dorms: X
Women's dorms: X
Fraternity/sorority housing: X
Theme housing: X

Annual Expenses27

Private Tuition

Tuition: 21934
Tuition: 21934

All Institutions Expenses

Required Fees:: 0
Food and housing (on-campus):: 12060
Housing Only (on-campus):: 5800
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 6260
Required Fees:: 0
Food and housing (on-campus):: 12060
Housing Only (on-campus):: 5800
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 6260

Credits per Term

Minimum: 18

Tuition Policies

Do tuition and fees vary by year of study (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior)?: No
Do tuition and fees vary by undergraduate instructional program?: No

Estimated Expenses

Books and supplies:: 1335
Transportation:: 1546
Other expenses:: 1844
Books and supplies:: 1335
Transportation: 1546
Other expenses:: 1844
Books and supplies:: 1335
Food and housing total*: 12060
Transportation:: 1546
Other expenses:: 1844

Per-Credit-Hour Charges

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS:: 915.00
In-district:: 915.00
In-state (out-of-district):: 915.00
Out-of-state:: 915.00

Financial Aid111

Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 114
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 10,330
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 0
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 0
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 430
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 9,071
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 0
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 0
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 2
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 10,563
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 0
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 0

Methodology

Both FM and IM: 1513616

Need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 2676500
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 5119004
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 266992
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 9576112
Total Scholarships/Grants: 4288452
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 452135
Federal Work-Study: 0
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 4740587
Total Self-Help: 404001
Parent Loans: 81747
Tuition Waivers Note: Reporting is optional. Report tuition waivers in this row if you choose to report them. Do not report tuition waivers elsewhere.: 0
Athletic Awards: 260268

Non-need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 45420
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 4022074
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 256522
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 4584284
Total Scholarships/Grants: 2309166
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 332150
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 2641316
Total Self-Help: 784237
Parent Loans: 157768
Tuition Waivers Note: Reporting is optional. Report tuition waivers in this row if you choose to report them. Do not report tuition waivers elsewhere.: 0

Students Awarded Aid

A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 309
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 288
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 195
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 195
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 195
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 153
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 73
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 47
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 79%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 20117
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 17171
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 2946
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 2267
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 1,079
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 868
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 613
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 611
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 611
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 477
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 173
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 141
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 79%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 19865
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 16118
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 3747
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 3014
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 21
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 12
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 10
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 8
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 4
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 4
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 7
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 3
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 55%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 6027
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 953
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 1997
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 1469

Source Type Loan

A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 179
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 179
C. Institutional loan programs.: 10
D. State loan programs.: 0
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 48
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 83.00
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 83.00
C. Institutional loan programs.: 5.00
D. State loan programs.: 0.00
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 22.00
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 33770
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 22667
C. Institutional loan programs.: 5707
D. State loan programs.: 0
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 40218

Aid to Nonresidents

If institutional financial aid is available for undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents, provide the number of undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents who were awarded need-based or non-need-based aid:: 4
Average dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 9,438
Total dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 37,750

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA: X

Financial Aid Deadlines

Priority date for filing required financial aid forms:: X
Deadline for filing required financial aid forms:: 1
No deadline for filing required forms (applications processed on a rolling basis): 15

Financial Aid Reply

Students must reply by (date):: 5
or within____weeks of notification.: 1

Aid Available

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: X
College/university loans from institutional funds: X
Federal Pell Grants: X
Federal SEOG: X
State scholarships/grants: X
Private scholarships: X
College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds: X

Institutional Aid

Academics: X
Alumni affiliation: X
Art: X
If your institution has recently implemented any major financial aid policy, program, or initiative to make your institution more affordable to incoming students such as replacing loans with grants, or waiving costs for families below a certain income level please provide details:: CDS-H Page 32 Common Data Set 2024-2025

Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred21

Diploma/Certificates

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Associate

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Bachelors

Natural resources and conservation: 2.11
Communication/journalism: 5.98
Computer and information sciences: 5.28
Education: 7.39
Engineering: 2.82
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics: 2.46
English: 1.76
Biological/life sciences: 9.15
Mathematics and statistics: 1.41
Military science and military technologies: 28
Parks and recreation: 13.39
Philosophy and religious studies: 1.06
Physical sciences: 1.41
Psychology: 5.99
Social sciences: 10.56
Visual and performing arts: 4.23
Business/marketing: 23.24
History: 1.76
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Enrollment And Persistence129

Institutional Enrollment

Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: men: 177
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 395
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 1
Other first-year, degree-seeking: women: 572
Other first-year, degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 1
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 1
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 2
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 130
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 347
Other first-year, degree-seeking: another gender: 477
Other first-year, degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 1
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 1
Total undergraduate students: another gender: 1
Total undergraduate students: unknown: 3
Degree-seeking, first-time: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 1,084
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 1,084
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Total graduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total All Students: unknown: 2

All

Total graduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0

Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

Nonresidents: 0
Hispanic/Latino: 13
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 8
White, non-Hispanic: 274
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 2
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 8
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 3
TOTAL: 309
Nonresidents: 2
Hispanic/Latino: 35
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 13
White, non-Hispanic: 678
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 25
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 19
TOTAL: 775
Nonresidents: 2
Hispanic/Latino: 48
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 21
White, non-Hispanic: 952
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 2
Asian, non-Hispanic: 4
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 33
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 22
TOTAL: 1,084

Persistence

Bachelor's degrees: 237

Graduation Rates

Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 98
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 89
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 91
Total: 278
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 0
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 98
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 89
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 91
Total: 278
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 40
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 46
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 72
Total: 158
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 6
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 6
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 9
Total: 21
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 4
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 5
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 58
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 59
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 67
Total: 184
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 59.18
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 66.29
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 73.63
Total: 66.19
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 108
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 127
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 87
Total: 322
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 1
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 107
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 127
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 87
Total: 321
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 53
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 75
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 59
Total: 187
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 6
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 20
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 6
Total: 32
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 1
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 60
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 95
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 65
Total: 220
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 56.07
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 74.8
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 74.71
Total: 68.54
2021 Cohort: 0
2020 Cohort: 0

Instructional Faculty And Class Size36

Instructional Faculty

A. Total number of instructional faculty: 85
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 5
C. Total number who are women: 43
D. Total number who are men: 42
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 0
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 71%
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 12
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 2
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 0
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 0
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 22
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 1
C. Total number who are women: 15
D. Total number who are men: 7
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 0
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 8%
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 6
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 2
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 0
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 0
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 107
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 6
C. Total number who are women: 58
D. Total number who are men: 49
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 0
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 79%
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 18
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 4
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 0
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 0

Student to Faculty Ratio

Fall 2024 Student to Faculty ratio: 12
based on ____ students: 1,062

Undergraduate Class Size

2-9: 5
10-19: 5
20-29: 19
30-39: 1

Source: Central College's Common Data Set 2024-25

About Central College

Central College is a very small private university in Pella, IA, in a city setting.

What Central College looks for

Central College admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

Frequently asked

What SAT score do I need for Central College?
Central College's middle 50% SAT range is 1056 to 1120. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for Central College?
Middle 50% ACT range is 20 to 26. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at Central College?
Central College admits roughly 86% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.
What does Central College actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $23,377 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is Central College a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Central College as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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