Central College vs Grinnell College
Central College is a private college in Pella, IA, and Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 86% at Central College. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $23,377 at Central College. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 68% at Central College. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, 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 Grinnell College harder to get into?
- Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% 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 Grinnell College?
- Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,377 at Central 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 Grinnell College?
- Before aid, Central College costs about $37,773 a year and Grinnell College about $83,440. 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 Grinnell College?
- Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $16,231 at Central College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Central College or Grinnell College?
- Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
- Does Central College or Grinnell College have a better graduation rate?
- Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 68% at Central College.
- Do graduates of Central College or Grinnell College earn more?
- Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,317 for Central College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central College and Grinnell College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Central College and Grinnell College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 1410–1540 at Grinnell College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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