Central College vs University of Northern Iowa
Central College is a private college in Pella, IA. University of Northern Iowa is a public university in Cedar Falls, IA. Central College admits about 86% of applicants and University of Northern Iowa about 93%, making Central College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,901 a year at University of Northern Iowa after aid, and about $23,377 at Central College. About 68% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, University of Northern Iowa alumni earn a median of about $55,177, against $54,317 for Central College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Pella, IA
Cedar Falls, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,070
7,529
Acceptance rate
86%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1056–1120
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
19–26
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,377
$15,901
Full cost / yr
$37,773
$22,278
In-state tuition
$20,988
$9,936
Out-of-state tuition
$20,988
$21,712
Application fee
$25
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,231
$10,863
$30k - $48k
$16,237
$11,751
$48k - $75k
$19,532
$14,099
$75k - $110k
$21,936
$17,740
Over $110k
$27,165
$18,706
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
68%
Freshman retention
80%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,115
$47,222
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,317
$55,177
Median debt at graduation
$26,984
$19,691
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
27%
First-generation students
21%
22%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
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 Northern Iowa harder to get into?
- Central College is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Northern Iowa. 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 Northern Iowa?
- University of Northern Iowa is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,901 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 Northern Iowa?
- Before aid, University of Northern Iowa costs about $22,278 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 Northern Iowa?
- University of Northern Iowa. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,863 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 Northern Iowa?
- University of Northern Iowa is the larger of the two, with about 7,529 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
- Does Central College or University of Northern Iowa have a better graduation rate?
- Both graduate about 68% of their students.
- Do graduates of Central College or University of Northern Iowa earn more?
- University of Northern Iowa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,177 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 Northern Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Northern Iowa is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central College and University of Northern Iowa look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 1020–1280 at University of Northern Iowa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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