Central College vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee Wesleyan University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,198 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Tennessee Wesleyan University is in Athens, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Tennessee Wesleyan University 12:1.

Central College vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University than Central College ($15,125 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Wesleyan University are 21.6% lower than at Central College ($9,458 vs. $12,060).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is 46.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $9,826 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.8% higher at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Central College (about $9,826 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Tennessee Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee Wesleyan University students is 77.3% larger than aid received by Central College students ($24,692 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Tennessee Wesleyan University (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Tennessee Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Tennessee Wesleyan University 960/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Tennessee Wesleyan University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Tennessee Wesleyan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Tennessee Wesleyan University (3.5).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Tennessee Wesleyan University (68.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 30.3% at Tennessee Wesleyan University.

Central College vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University's (44%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have a $8,250 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($18,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($193 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 61%)

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.