Academic Comparison between ISU and Central

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

  • ISU is a public and Central is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,250) than Central (1,100).
  • ISU has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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

Iowa State Universityvs.Central College
Ames, IowaLocationPella, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
2025 Tuition & Fees$20,988
73%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$10,270Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,354
88.66 %Acceptance Rates86.17 %
28.84 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.02 %
1,250SAT Score1,100
24ACT Score23
75 %Graduation Rate66 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate30 %
88 %Retention Rate80 %
30,380Student Population1,084
1,432Number of Faculties88
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services