Central College Admissions

Central College Admissions Overview:

Central College has an acceptance rate of 64%--students with grades and standardized test scores above average are likely to get in. An essay is not a requirement of the application process; students can fill out an application online and submit it along with test scores and a high school transcript.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Central College Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 460 / 660
  • SAT Math: 490 / 630
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
    • SAT score comparison for Iowa colleges
  • ACT Composite: 21 / 26
  • ACT English: 20 / 25
  • ACT Math: 20 / 26
    • What these ACT numbers mean
    • ACT score comparison for Iowa colleges

Central College Description:

Central College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Founded in 1853, the college is located on a 130-acre campus in Pella, Iowa, a town of about 10,000 people situated 40 miles southeast of Des Moines. Pella has a rich Dutch history, and its European atmosphere and annual Tulip Festival draw in tourists from far and near. On the academic front, Central College students can choose from 39 majors with business and exercise science drawing the highest enrollments. 76% of students complete an internship or other hands-on learning experience, and about half of all students study abroad. Academics are supported by a 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 20. The college does well with both graduate school and job placement. Students live on campus all four years, and student life is active with over 80 clubs and organizations. In athletics, the Central College Dutch compete in the NCAA Division III Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC). The college fields nine men's and ten women's intercollegiate sports.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 1,248 (all undergraduate)
• Gender Breakdown: 48% Male / 52% Female
• 96% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $34,612
• Books: $1,253 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,980
• Other Expenses: $3,369
• Total Cost: $49,212

Central College Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 100%
  • Loans: 74%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $25,183
  • Loans: $8,115

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Art, Biology, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Elementary Education, Exercise Science, Psychology, Sociology

Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 79%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 58%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Track and Field, Wrestling, Basketball, Cross Country, Baseball, Soccer, Golf, Tennis
• Women's Sports: Track and Field, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Volleyball, Tennis, Softball

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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