At a Glance
Central College is a small private nonprofit college in Pella, IA. Approximately 1,070 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 86% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Red Rock, just 3 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 34 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 51/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Location
Pella, IA
Campus Identity
Central College is a small private nonprofit college in Pella, IA. Approximately 1,070 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 86% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Red Rock, just 3 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 34 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 51/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
Central College is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 34 miles from Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, Inc..
Athletics
NCAA D3
American Rivers
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
42°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Central College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, Inc., 34 miles away. All are within 113 miles of campus.
Illinois
Lake Life Campus
Lake Red Rock is 3 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Central College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Red Rock
Lake access within 2.9 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Pella, IA
Pella has a cool climate, with winters averaging 21°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.
Station: KNOXVILLE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Central College in IA earns a composite safety score of 51/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $20,988 |
| Room & Board | $12,060 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $33,048 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
36 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Central College located?
Central College is located in Pella, IA. The main campus address is 812 University, Pella, IA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Central College?
Central College has an acceptance rate of 86%, making it accessible. Out of 1,706 applicants, 1,470 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,070 enrolled.
How many students attend Central College?
Central College enrolls 1,070 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What ACT score do you need for Central College?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Central College scored between 20 and 26 on the ACT, with a median of 23. About 42% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Central College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Central College charges $20,988/year in tuition. Including room and board ($12,060/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $19,250/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $23,377/year — what students actually pay. Use Central College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Central College?
The undergraduate application fee at Central College is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
What NCAA division is Central College in?
Central College competes in NCAA Division III, part of the American Rivers. Division III programs compete without athletic scholarships and emphasize academics alongside varsity sport.
Is Central College the right fit for me?
Whether Central College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (86% admit rate), avg net price ($23,377/year after aid), campus culture in Pella, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Central College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Central College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Pella, IA
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- American Rivers
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 42°F avg
- App Fee
- $25
- On Campus Safety Score
- 51/100
- Nearest Airport
- Ottumwa, IA (OTM) · 32 mialso DSM (39 mi), CID (71 mi)