Central College vs. JC

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with University of Jamestown in Jamestown, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Jamestown is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,376 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); University of Jamestown is in Jamestown, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Jamestown is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; University of Jamestown 13:1.

Central College vs. JC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or JC? 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 University of Jamestown than Central College ($20,510 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Jamestown are 17.2% lower than at Central College ($9,990 vs. $12,060).
• University of Jamestown is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $4,002 more per year; $24,990.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.1% higher at JC than at Central College (about $4,002 more per year; $24,990.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at University of Jamestown (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Jamestown students is 26% larger than aid received by Central College students ($17,548 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. JC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 70 points higher than at JC (1020).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at JC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; University of Jamestown 900/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; University of Jamestown 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; JC - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at JC (3.25).
• JC has a higher acceptance rate (88.1%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 36.1% at JC.

Central College vs. JC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and JC? 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 University of Jamestown's (43%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $200 more per year than JC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Jamestown graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JC graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More JC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central College students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 78%)

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.