Central College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

Central College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University than Central College ($15,547 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 8.6% lower than at Central College ($11,028 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 102.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $10,627 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.6% higher at Central College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $10,627 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 60.5% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($13,925 vs. $8,674).

Central College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University and Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 70 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Central College vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $5,322 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($21,678 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($224 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 66%)

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.