San Diego Christian College vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than San Diego Christian College based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 96 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego Christian College is located in Santee, CA (Large Suburban setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• San Diego Christian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego Christian College 9:1; Central College 11:1.

San Diego Christian College vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego Christian College 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 San Diego Christian College than Central College ($21,199 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at San Diego Christian College are 8.1% lower than at Central College ($11,080 vs. $12,060).
• San Diego Christian College is 33.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $7,024 more per year; $28,012.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.5% higher at San Diego Christian College than at Central College (about $7,024 more per year; $28,012.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at San Diego Christian College as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego Christian College students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Central College students ($18,584 vs. $13,925).

San Diego Christian College vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego Christian College 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 San Diego Christian College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 90 points higher than at San Diego Christian College (1000).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at San Diego Christian College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego Christian College 900/1098; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego Christian College 18/24; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego Christian College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Central College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at San Diego Christian College (3.26).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than San Diego Christian College (30.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.8% at San Diego Christian College vs. 21% at Central College.

San Diego Christian College vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego Christian College 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 San Diego Christian College's (31%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than San Diego Christian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego Christian College graduates have a $3,894 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($23,106 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego Christian College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($238 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego Christian College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 47%)

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.