Central College vs. Adrian College

Comparable Facts

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

Adrian College is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,765 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Adrian College is in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Adrian College 16:1.

Central College vs. Adrian College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Adrian 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 Adrian College ($23,848 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 40.5% lower than at Adrian College ($12,060 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 98.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $20,696 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.6% higher at Adrian College than at Central College (about $20,696 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Adrian College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 115.2% larger than aid received by Central College students ($29,966 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Adrian College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 80 points higher than at Adrian College (1010).
• Incoming Adrian College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Adrian College 873/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Adrian College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Adrian College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Adrian College (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 26.3% at Adrian College.

Central College vs. Adrian College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Adrian 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 Adrian College's (49%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Adrian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $39,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adrian College and Central College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Adrian College and Central College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adrian College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 63%)

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.