Saint Xavier University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Xavier University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (3,485 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Xavier University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Saint Xavier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Xavier University 16:1; Central College 11:1.

Saint Xavier University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University than Central College ($11,318 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 6.2% lower than at Saint Xavier University ($12,060 vs. $12,860).
• Saint Xavier University is 80.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $16,952 more per year; $37,940.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.8% higher at Saint Xavier University than at Central College (about $16,952 more per year; $37,940.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Saint Xavier University as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Xavier University students is 129.7% larger than aid received by Central College students ($31,985 vs. $13,925).

Saint Xavier University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 50 points higher than at Saint Xavier University (1040).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Saint Xavier University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Xavier University 950/1120; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Xavier University 18/24; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Xavier University - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Saint Xavier University (3.4).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Saint Xavier University (84.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Saint Xavier University vs. 21% at Central College.

Saint Xavier University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University's (52%).
• Graduates from Saint Xavier University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Xavier University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier 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.