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Central College vs William Penn University

Central College is a private college in Pella, IA, and William Penn University is a private university in Oskaloosa, IA. William Penn University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% of applicants against 86% at Central College. William Penn University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,601 a year against $23,377 at Central College. About 68% of students graduate at Central College, compared with 31% at William Penn University. Ten years after enrolling, Central College alumni earn a median of about $54,317, against $48,936 for William Penn University.

Central College

Pella, IA · Private

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pella, IA
Oskaloosa, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,070
1,301
Acceptance rate
86%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1056–1120
880–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
16–22
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,377
$22,601
Full cost / yr
$37,773
$42,874
In-state tuition
$20,988
$29,750
Out-of-state tuition
$20,988
$29,750
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,231
$20,608
$30k - $48k
$16,237
$19,378
$48k - $75k
$19,532
$20,560
$75k - $110k
$21,936
$24,245
Over $110k
$27,165
$25,916
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
31%
Freshman retention
80%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,115
$40,189
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,317
$48,936
Median debt at graduation
$26,984
$22,415
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
47%
First-generation students
21%
38%
International students
0%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Apr 15

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 William Penn University harder to get into?
William Penn University is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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 William Penn University?
William Penn University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,601 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 William Penn University?
Before aid, Central College costs about $37,773 a year and William Penn University about $42,874. 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 William Penn University?
Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,231 there, against about $20,608 at William Penn University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central College or William Penn University?
William Penn University is the larger of the two, with about 1,301 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
Does Central College or William Penn University have a better graduation rate?
Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 31% at William Penn University.
Do graduates of Central College or William Penn University earn more?
Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,317 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,936 for William Penn University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central College and William Penn University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. William Penn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central College and William Penn University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 880–1110 at William Penn University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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