Allen College vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Central College 11:1.

Allen College vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Central College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 27% lower than at Central College ($8,800 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen College (about $1,472 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Central College than at Allen College (about $1,472 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Allen College (100% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Central College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central College and Allen College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Central College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Allen College's (50%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($16,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($173 vs. $279).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.