Central College vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

Central College vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Southeast Missouri State 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 Southeast Missouri State University than Central College ($16,185 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 1.1% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($12,060 vs. $12,198).
• Central College is 111.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeast Missouri State University (about $11,085 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.9% higher at Central College than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $11,085 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Southeast Missouri State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 63.6% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($13,925 vs. $8,512).

Central College vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Southeast Missouri State 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 Southeast Missouri State University and Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 150 points higher than at Southeast Missouri State University (940).
• Incoming Central College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Southeast Missouri State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Southeast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeast Missouri State University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Central College (3.52).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Southeast Missouri State University (73.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

Central College vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Southeast Missouri State 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 Southeast Missouri State University's (46%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Southeast Missouri State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $4,473 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($22,527 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southeast Missouri State 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.