Central College vs University of Iowa
Central College is a private college in Pella, IA, and University of Iowa is a public university in Iowa City, IA. University of Iowa is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% of applicants against 86% at Central College. University of Iowa is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,531 a year against $23,377 at Central College. About 74% of students graduate at University of Iowa, compared with 68% at Central College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Iowa alumni earn a median of about $64,762, 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 University of Iowa harder to get into?
- University of Iowa is harder to get into. It admits about 84% 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 University of Iowa?
- University of Iowa is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,531 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 University of Iowa?
- Before aid, University of Iowa costs about $28,596 a year and Central College about $37,773. 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 University of Iowa?
- University of Iowa. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,316 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 University of Iowa?
- University of Iowa is the larger of the two, with about 22,264 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
- Does Central College or University of Iowa have a better graduation rate?
- University of Iowa has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 68% at Central College.
- Do graduates of Central College or University of Iowa earn more?
- University of Iowa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,762 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,317 for Central College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central College and University of Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Iowa considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Central College and University of Iowa look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 1130–1330 at University of Iowa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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