Central College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Central College
In spring, tulips spill across Pella, and Central's quad feels like the heart of it. The college is known for a practical, liberal arts approach that blends strong work in the sciences, business, health, education, and the arts with plenty of hands-on learning. Students find bright labs and studios, performance spaces, a bustling library, and athletics and wellness facilities that actually get used. Support runs deep through advising, tutoring, counseling, and a career hub that helps map next steps.
Life here stays active and easygoing. Clubs, music, theater, and outdoor trips feed the week, while trails and Lake Red Rock give a quick reset. The campus culture leans welcoming and service minded, with Dutch heritage woven into small touches and spring traditions. Career preparation has a real-world tilt, with internships across Pella and connections to nearby employers like Pella Corporation and Vermeer, plus opportunities in the Des Moines area. It's a place that feels close-knit but looks outward.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Central College offers 29 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 284 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (3 programs, 66 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 64 graduates), Social Sciences (4 programs, 30 graduates), Education (2 programs, 21 graduates) and Communication (1 programs, 17 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (3 programs, 66 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 48 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Actuarial Science | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1304 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 64 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0908 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Social Sciences (4 programs, 30 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Social Sciences | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
| Economics | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
Education (2 programs, 21 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Music Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
Communication (1 programs, 17 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
Psychology (1 programs, 17 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 15 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
| Information Science | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0401 |
Arts (3 programs, 12 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Art Studies | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Musical Theatre | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0509 |
Engineering (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0101 |
Languages (2 programs, 7 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| French Language and Literature | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Central College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Central College
How much does it cost to attend Central College?
The annual tuition at Central College is $20,988 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $37,725 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,220 and books and supplies $1,275.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Central College offer?
Central College offers 29 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Central College?
Central College has an 79% acceptance rate and a 17.5% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,978
- Students admitted: 1,562
- Students enrolled: 274
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Central College?
Central College provides financial aid to 30% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $12,678 and average loans of $8,244.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,868
- State/Local grants: $5,976
- Institutional grants: $7,390
- Federal loans: $5,581
The university supports 351 students with grants and 259 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Central College graduates?
Central College graduates earn a median salary of $49,115 after 6 years and $54,317 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,298 (25th percentile) to $71,084 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,700 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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