Academic Comparison between UNI and Central

University of Northern Iowa and Central College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UNI is a four-year, public school located in Cedar Falls, 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.

  • UNI is a public and Central is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • UNI has more expensive tuition & fees ($21,712) than Central ($20,988).
  • It is harder to admit to Central than UNI.
  • UNI has a higher submitted SAT score (1,170) than Central (1,100).
  • Central has higher submitted ACT score (22) than UNI (22).
  • UNI has more students with 9,278 students while Central has 1,084 students.
  • Central has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while UNI's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UNI has more full-time faculties with 407 faculties while Central has 88 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Northern Iowavs.Central College
Cedar Falls, IowaLocationPella, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$9,936
Out-Of-State$21,712
2025 Tuition & Fees$20,988
69%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$7,415Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,354
92.74 %Acceptance Rates86.17 %
31.10 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.02 %
1,170SAT Score1,100
22ACT Score23
68 %Graduation Rate66 %
22 %Transfer-out Rate30 %
82 %Retention Rate80 %
9,278Student Population1,084
407Number of Faculties88
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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