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Central College vs Cornell College

Central College is a private college in Pella, IA, and Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, IA. Cornell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 80% of applicants against 86% at Central College. Central College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,377 a year against $23,634 at Cornell College. About 68% of students graduate at Central College, compared with 67% at Cornell College. Ten years after enrolling, Central College alumni earn a median of about $54,317, against $53,460 for Cornell College.

Central College

Pella, IA · Private

Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pella, IA
Mount Vernon, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,070
1,086
Acceptance rate
86%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1056–1120
1120–1285
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
23–30
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,377
$23,634
Full cost / yr
$37,773
$66,249
In-state tuition
$20,988
$52,660
Out-of-state tuition
$20,988
$52,660
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,231
$16,409
$30k - $48k
$16,237
$18,513
$48k - $75k
$19,532
$20,177
$75k - $110k
$21,936
$22,944
Over $110k
$27,165
$29,298
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
67%
Freshman retention
80%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,115
$39,299
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,317
$53,460
Median debt at graduation
$26,984
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
32%
First-generation students
21%
20%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Mar 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central College or Cornell College harder to get into?
Cornell College is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 86% at Central College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central College or Cornell College?
Central College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,377 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,634 at Cornell College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central College and Cornell College?
Before aid, Central College costs about $37,773 a year and Cornell College about $66,249. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central College or Cornell College?
Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,231 there, against about $16,409 at Cornell College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central College or Cornell College?
Cornell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,086 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
Does Central College or Cornell College have a better graduation rate?
Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 67% at Cornell College.
Do graduates of Central College or Cornell College earn more?
Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,317 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,460 for Cornell College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central College and Cornell College require SAT or ACT scores?
Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central College and Cornell College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 1120–1285 at Cornell College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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