Central College vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,246 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Marian University 11:1.

Central College vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Marian 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 Marian University than Central College ($22,697 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 18.3% lower than at Central College ($9,849 vs. $12,060).
• Marian University is 67.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $14,190 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.6% higher at Marian University than at Central College (about $14,190 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 56.6% larger than aid received by Central College students ($21,805 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 150 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Marian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 18% at Marian University.

Central College vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Marian 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 Marian University's (52%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Marian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marian University and Central College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marian University and Central College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marian University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 63%)

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.