About

About Central College

liberal arts collegesmall class sizesarts and sciences focusiowa private collegepre med programs

Central College is a private liberal arts college in Pella, IA, known for its liberal arts college, small class sizes, and arts and sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 79%, Central College is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 351 students each year. Central College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 938–1258, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Central College offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,724 per year; the sticker price of $34,302 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Central College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

79%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1098
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.25 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 938 – 1258 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Central College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
Central College is test optional, so if your score falls below the middle range of admitted students, leave it off your application and let your GPA and activities speak for you instead.
Demonstrated Interest
Visit Central College's campus in Pella and connect with admissions staff during your visit, since the college is a small community where personal connections with staff matter and can be noted in your file.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Central College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$34k/yr$16.2k
30k-48k~$34k/yr$16.2k
48k-75k~$34k/yr$19.5k
75k-110k~$34k/yr$21.9k
110k+~$34k/yr$27.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

69%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$49k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,082
Undergrad Enrollment
Central College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch