Central College vs Drake University
Central College is a private college in Pella, IA. Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants and Central College about 86%, making Drake University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,377 a year at Central College after aid, and about $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 68% at Central College. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $54,317 for Central College.
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.
- Is Central College or Drake University harder to get into?
- Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% 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 Drake University?
- Central College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,377 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,127 at Drake University. 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 Drake University?
- Before aid, Central College costs about $37,773 a year and Drake University about $64,835. 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 Drake University?
- Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,231 there, against about $25,824 at Drake University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Central College or Drake University?
- Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
- Does Central College or Drake University have a better graduation rate?
- Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 68% at Central College.
- Do graduates of Central College or Drake University earn more?
- Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,317 for Central College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central College and Drake University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central College and Drake University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 1110–1350 at Drake University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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