Central College vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Johnson University in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Johnson University 12:1.

Central College vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Johnson 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 Johnson University than Central College ($22,615 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 17.9% lower than at Central College ($9,900 vs. $12,060).
• Johnson University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $134 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at Johnson University than at Central College (about $134 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Johnson University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($13,925 vs. $11,630).

Central College vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 50 points higher than at Johnson University (1040).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Johnson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have the same average high school GPA (3.52) as students at Johnson University (3.52).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

Central College vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Johnson 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 Johnson University's (54%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $5,620 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($21,380 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($221 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Johnson University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 64%)

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.