Academic Comparison between Central and ISU

Central College and Iowa State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Central is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Pella, IA and ISU is a four-year, public school located in Ames, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Central is a private (not-for-profit) and ISU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • ISU has more expensive tuition & fees ($28,881) than Central ($20,988).
  • It is harder to admit to Central than ISU.
  • ISU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,100) than Central (1,100).
  • ISU has higher submitted ACT score (23) than Central (23).
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while Central has 1,084 students.
  • Central has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while ISU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,432 faculties while Central has 88 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Collegevs.Iowa State University
Pella, IowaLocationAmes, Iowa
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$20,9882025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
97%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$12,354Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,270
86.17 %Acceptance Rates88.66 %
21.02 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.84 %
1,100SAT Score1,250
23ACT Score24
66 %Graduation Rate75 %
30 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
80 %Retention Rate88 %
1,084Student Population30,380
88Number of Faculties1,432
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare