About Central College
The financial picture tells a mixed story for families considering Central. Students typically pay a net price of $22,353 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,745. Graduates earn a median of $54,317 ten years after leaving, but carry $26,984 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The college awards institutional grants averaging $10,999 to about 32% of students. Those numbers suggest Central provides solid value for families who qualify for significant aid.
Athletic participation defines much of campus life here. With 549 athletes competing across 21 Division III sports, more than half the student body plays varsity athletics. The Dutch compete in the American Rivers Conference without offering athletic scholarships. This creates a culture where student-athletes balance serious competition with academic priorities, and the 72.65% retention rate reflects students who find their fit.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 86.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,317
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,045 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,790 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,542 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,721 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,119 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and eating habits at the dining hall. With 53.6% men and 46.4% women, the gender split stays fairly even across the small campus. Weekend social life revolves around the 21 varsity sports teams, with 549 total athletes making up over half the student body. The Dutch athletic teams compete in NCAA Division III, creating school spirit without athletic scholarships. Students often head to nearby Lake Red Rock for outdoor activities or make the drive to Des Moines for bigger city entertainment. Campus traditions include the annual Sinterklaas celebration, honoring both the college's Reformed Church heritage and Pella's Dutch character.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,405 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1853
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–29°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 53.6%
- Women
- 46.4%
- White
- 87.4%
- Black
- 1.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 73.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.4%
Location
- Address
- Pella, Iowa 50219
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,317
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,385
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,984
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Central College?
Central College accepts 79% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040-1218 on the SAT, reflecting the college's focus on well-rounded admissions rather than purely test-driven selection.
How much does Central College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Central College is $22,353 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,745 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition of $20,988.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Central College?
Central College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,062 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and hands-on learning experiences that the college emphasizes in its experiential education model.
What are the job prospects for Central College graduates?
Central College graduates have a 96.4% employment rate and earn a median salary of $54,317 ten years after graduation. The college's strong alumni network and emphasis on practical experience help students transition successfully into careers across Iowa and beyond.
Where is Central College located and what is campus life like?
Central College sits in Pella, Iowa, a small Dutch heritage town that reflects the college's Reformed Church roots. With 549 student-athletes competing in 21 varsity sports and housing for 1,405 students, the campus buzzes with activity despite its rural setting.
Does Central College have strong ties to any particular religious tradition?
Central College was founded in 1853 with ties to the Reformed Church in America and still maintains that religious affiliation today. The athletic teams are called the Dutch, reflecting both the college's religious heritage and the strong Dutch immigrant history of Pella, Iowa.
