Central College
Central College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Central College at a Glance
Central College is a private college in Pella, Iowa, United States. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Central has a student body of approximately 1,100 undergraduates and more than 60 academic programs.
1853
173 years old
$84M
$84.2 million (2025)
1,169
91
130 acres
Identity
Is Central College Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Central College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,317 — 1% above average — while paying $23,377/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,984 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Central College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Central College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #40 of 145 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #40 | Central College | 39 | $23,377 | $54,317 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Central College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IA.
Best Programs at Central College
The highest-earning program at Central College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $43,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $28,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Central College earns $43,100, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $28,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,298 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,377/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,100 | $43,100 | $25,298 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,000 | $38,000 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $30,800 | $30,800 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $29,300 | $29,300 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,000 | $28,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Pella, IA
- Student Body
- 1,070 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,377
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,317
- Median Student Debt
- $26,984