Central College vs. Fontbonne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Fontbonne University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Fontbonne University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Fontbonne University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fontbonne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Fontbonne University 5:1.

Central College vs. Fontbonne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Fontbonne University? 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 Fontbonne University are 6.9% lower than at Central College ($11,232 vs. $12,060).
• Fontbonne University is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $7,288 more per year; $28,276.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.7% higher at Fontbonne University than at Central College (about $7,288 more per year; $28,276.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Fontbonne University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fontbonne University students is 66.2% larger than aid received by Central College students ($23,147 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Fontbonne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Fontbonne University? 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 Fontbonne University and Central College.

• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Fontbonne University).
• 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; Fontbonne University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Fontbonne University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Fontbonne University (3.3).

Central College vs. Fontbonne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Fontbonne University? 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 Fontbonne University's (43%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Fontbonne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fontbonne University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fontbonne University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fontbonne University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 59%)

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.