Central College is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Pella, Iowa with 1,070 undergraduates. It admits 86% of applicants, costs an average of $22,894 a year after grants and graduates 59% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Central College acceptance rate and admissions
Central College admitted 86% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 528 to 560, math 528 to 560). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Central College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $21,934 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,060 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $37,773 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $22,894 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $22,894 a year after grants and scholarships, $14,879 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Central College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Central College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 59% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $57,387 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $25,125 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 44% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Central College majors and what graduates earn
Central College awarded bachelor's degrees in 30 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer science ($89,838).
All 30 majors at Central College
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer science | 11 | n/a | $89,838 | n/a |
| Accounting | 15 | $62,338 | $86,868 | $24,250 |
| Business administration | 48 | $59,421 | $68,021 | $25,125 |
| Biology | 19 | n/a | $59,597 | $26,907 |
| Psychology | 17 | $39,912 | $56,941 | $21,500 |
| Sociology | 12 | $44,497 | $51,996 | $25,125 |
| Communication | 17 | n/a | $51,671 | $25,250 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 19 | $45,218 | $50,707 | $24,500 |
| Physiology | 38 | n/a | n/a | $27,000 |
| Political science | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering, general | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Romance languages | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biochemistry and molecular biology | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Environmental science | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| English | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Information science | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Social Sciences, General | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Economics | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Philosophy | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Business analytics and operations research | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Physics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International/Globalization Studies | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Interdisciplinary studies, other | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Students and location
- 1,070 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 45% women, 55% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: distant town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Central College?
Central College admitted 86% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Central College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $21,934. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $22,894 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Central College?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 528 to 560 in reading and writing and 528 to 560 in math, and 20 to 26 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Central College test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Central College reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Central College?
59% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Central College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $57,387 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Iowa · Central College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.