Central College vs. Lincoln University of Missouri

Comparable Facts

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

Lincoln University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,054 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Lincoln University is in Jefferson City, MO (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Lincoln University 11:1.

Central College vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University than Central College ($14,002 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 15% lower than at Central College ($10,256 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 114.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University of Missouri (about $11,192 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $9,796.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.6% higher at Central College than at Lincoln University (about $3,296 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $17,692.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Lincoln University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 45.1% larger than aid received by Lincoln University students ($13,925 vs. $9,595).

Central College vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University of Missouri and Central College.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Lincoln University of Missouri - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.77 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Lincoln University of Missouri (2.75).

Central College vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University's (20%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than Lincoln University of Missouri graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln University graduates have a $3,040 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($23,960 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln University of Missouri 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 Lincoln University of Missouri students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 37%)

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.