Central College vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Central College is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central College vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Ferrum 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 Ferrum College than Central College ($20,082 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 8.8% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,060 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 35.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $7,532 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at Ferrum College than at Central College (about $7,532 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 147.4% larger than aid received by Central College students ($34,444 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 100 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Central College vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Ferrum 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 Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 49%)

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.