Central College vs. Academy College

Comparable Facts

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

Central College is larger than Academy College based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 56 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Academy College is in Bloomington, MN (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Academy College is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Academy College 8:1.

Central College vs. Academy College Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central College than Academy College ($23,848 vs. $29,093).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Academy College are 29.2% lower than at Central College ($8,539 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Academy College (about $2,308 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $18,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at Central College than at Academy College (about $2,308 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $18,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Academy College (100% vs. 50%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 191.3% larger than aid received by Academy College students ($13,925 vs. $4,781).

Central College vs. Academy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Academy 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 Academy College and Central College.

• Academy College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Academy College - not listed in this dataset.

Central College vs. Academy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Academy 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 Academy College's (50%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Academy College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $884 lower median loan debt than Academy College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,884).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Academy College graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Academy College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 38%)

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.