Central College vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern Health Sciences University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,101 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Northwestern Health Sciences University is in Bloomington, MN (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Northwestern Health Sciences University 6:1.

Central College vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Central College than Northwestern Health Sciences University ($23,848 vs. $36,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 19.4% lower than at Northwestern Health Sciences University ($12,060 vs. $14,962).
• Central College is 74.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern Health Sciences University (about $8,973 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,015.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.7% higher at Central College than at Northwestern Health Sciences University (about $8,973 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,015.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Northwestern Health Sciences University (100% vs. 50%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 287.8% larger than aid received by Northwestern Health Sciences University students ($13,925 vs. $3,591).

Central College vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University and Central College.

• 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; Northwestern Health Sciences University - Not reported.

Central College vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Northwestern Health Sciences 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).

• Graduates from Northwestern Health Sciences University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates have a $18,700 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($8,300 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates have an estimated $194 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($85 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwestern Health Sciences 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.