Allen University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen University in Columbia, SC with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Allen University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (610 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Allen University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen University 12:1; Centra College 3:1.

Allen University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen University or Centra 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 University are 30.9% lower than at Centra College ($8,584 vs. $12,424).
• Allen University is 10.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $1,321 more per year; $14,304.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at Allen University than at Centra College (about $1,321 more per year; $14,304.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Allen University than at Centra College (97% vs. 0%).

Allen University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen University or Centra 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 Centra College and Allen University.

• Allen University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen University - Open admission; Centra College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen University Jul 1, 2027.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Allen University (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.1% at Allen University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Allen University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen University and Centra 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).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Allen University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $24,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $25,077 lower median loan debt than Allen University graduates ($12,042 vs. $37,119).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $259 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allen University graduates ($124 vs. $383).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Allen University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 13%)

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.