Judson University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, IL with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Judson University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Central College 11:1.

Judson University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson University or Central College? 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 Judson University than Central College ($18,673 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 2.1% lower than at Judson University ($12,060 vs. $12,320).
• Judson University is 49.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $10,372 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.4% higher at Judson University than at Central College (about $10,372 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Judson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 72.5% larger than aid received by Central College students ($24,024 vs. $13,925).

Judson University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 120 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 21% at Central College.

Judson University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson University and Central 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Judson University's (49%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Judson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Judson 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.