Central College vs. Friends University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Friends University in Wichita, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Friends University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Friends University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Friends University 12:1.

Central College vs. Friends University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Friends University? 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 Friends University ($23,848 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Friends University are 6.3% lower than at Central College ($11,295 vs. $12,060).
• Friends University is 62.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $13,204 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.9% higher at Friends University than at Central College (about $13,204 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Friends University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Friends University students is 55% larger than aid received by Central College students ($21,579 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Friends University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Friends University (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Friends University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Friends University 960/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Friends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Friends University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Friends University (3.4).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 44.7% at Friends University.

Central College vs. Friends University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Friends 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 Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Friends University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Friends University graduates have a $2,488 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,512 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Friends University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Friends University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 54%)

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.