Central College vs. Grand View University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Grand View University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand View University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,856 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Grand View University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand View University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Grand View University 12:1.

Central College vs. Grand View University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Grand View 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 Grand View University than Central College ($22,319 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 13.3% lower than at Grand View University ($12,060 vs. $13,912).
• Grand View University is 65.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $13,774 more per year; $34,762.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.6% higher at Grand View University than at Central College (about $13,774 more per year; $34,762.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Grand View University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand View University students is 89.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($26,330 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Grand View University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 90 points higher than at Grand View University (1000).
• Incoming Central College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Grand View University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Grand View University 920/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Grand View University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Grand View University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grand View University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Grand View University (3.3).
• Grand View University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 20.9% at Grand View University.

Central College vs. Grand View University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Grand View 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 Grand View University's (41%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Grand View University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand View University graduates have a $3,092 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($23,908 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grand View University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($247 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grand View University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 60%)

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.