Central College

Overview

Central College, located in Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution rooted in the Christian tradition. Established in 1853, the college offers a picturesque campus that boasts historical Dutch architecture, reflecting the town's rich European heritage. Central is situated approximately forty miles southeast of Des Moines, providing students with a blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities. The college is known for a spectrum of majors with notable programs in education, business management, and exercise science. Central College maintains a moderately selective admission process, and students are encouraged to live on campus, with a variety of housing options available, including residence halls and townhouse-style living. While Central participates in NCAA Division III athletics, it does not specifically emphasize sports achievement as a defining characteristic.

In the most recent statistical year 1,970 prospective students applied, and 1,561 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 351 enrolled in the school.  1,118 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 51 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $19,800 plus fees of $0. Central College is ranked 519 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.