# Central College

Pella, IA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/central-college

Central College is a private nonprofit college in Pella, IA with 1,070 undergraduates. It admits 86% of applicants, and admitted students average 1147 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $22,894 per year ($16,038 for families earning under $30,000). 59% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $57,387 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 86% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 1,978 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,562 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 528–560 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 528–560 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 20–26 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $37,773 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $22,894 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $16,038 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $13,545 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $17,397 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $22,140 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $26,636 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,070 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 59% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $57,387 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,125 (FY2024) |

## What Central College considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Central College's acceptance rate?**

Central College admits 86% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Central College?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 528–560 on SAT Reading and Writing and 528–560 on SAT Math; the average total is 1147.

**What ACT score do you need for Central College?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 20–26.

**Is Central College test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Central College?**

In Fall 2023, 1,978 students applied to Central College and 1,562 were admitted; 274 enrolled.

**Does Central College consider legacy status?**

Yes. Central College reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Central College require an essay?**

Central College reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Central College cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $37,773 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,894.

**What is Central College's graduation rate?**

59% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 153108. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology