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Central College and Northwestern College are both private nonprofit institutions — Central College in Pella, IA and Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Pella, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 86.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,070
Tuition: $20,988/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pella, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
Orange City, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 80.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,175
Tuition: $36,710/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Orange City, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
| Factor | Central College | Northwestern College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.2% | 80.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1056–1120 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 20–26 | 24 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,070 | 1,175 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,988/year | $36,710/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,377 | $25,907 |
| Graduation rate | 66.2% | 66.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $54,317 | $49,802 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Pella, IA | Orange City, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences |
Northwestern College is more selective (80.4% vs 86.2% acceptance rate). Central College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($23,377 vs $25,907). Both report a similar graduation rate (66.2%). Northwestern College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,175 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Central College and Northwestern College
Central College has an acceptance rate of 86.2%; Northwestern College is around 80.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Central College tuition is $20,988/year. Northwestern College is $36,710/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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