CDU vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, CA with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (852 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large Suburban setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science 4:1; Centra College 3:1.

CDU vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CDU or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centra College are 62.5% lower than at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science ($12,424 vs. $33,090).
• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is 77.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $10,017 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.2% higher at CDU than at Centra College (about $10,017 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science than at Centra College (100% vs. 0%).

CDU vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CDU or Centra College? 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 Centra College and CDU.

• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CDU - Open admission; Centra College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CDU Jul 30, 2027.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than CDU (38.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.5% at CDU vs. 0% at Centra College.

CDU vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CDU and Centra College? 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 Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science earn a median of about $26,100 more per year than Centra College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,900 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $9,277 lower median loan debt than CDU graduates ($12,042 vs. $21,319).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CDU graduates ($124 vs. $220).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CDU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 56%)

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.