Central College vs. William Penn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Penn University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,425 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); William Penn University is in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; William Penn University 15:1.

Central College vs. William Penn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or William Penn 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 William Penn University than Central College ($22,740 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 31.8% lower than at Central College ($8,222 vs. $12,060).
• William Penn University is 41.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $8,762 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.7% higher at William Penn University than at Central College (about $8,762 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at William Penn University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Penn University students is 45% larger than aid received by Central College students ($20,194 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. William Penn University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 90 points higher than at William Penn University (1000).
• Incoming Central College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at William Penn University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; William Penn University 880/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; William Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; William Penn University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 41.9% at William Penn University.

Central College vs. William Penn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and William Penn 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 William Penn University's (30%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than William Penn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Penn University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 49%)

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.