Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Simpson College and Central College are both private nonprofit institutions — Simpson College in Indianola, IA and Central College in Pella, 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.
Indianola, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 86.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,227
Tuition: $47,656/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 63.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Indianola, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
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.
| Factor | Simpson College | Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.2% | 86.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1440 average |
| 1056–1120 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 31–33 | 20–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,227 | 1,070 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $47,656/year | $20,988/year |
| Average net price after aid | $21,936 | $23,377 |
| Graduation rate | 63.3% | 66.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,274 | $54,317 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Indianola, IA | Pella, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (86.2% vs 86.2%). Simpson College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($21,936 vs $23,377). Central College reports the higher graduation rate (66.2% vs 63.3%). Simpson College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,227 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 Simpson College and Central College
Simpson College has an acceptance rate of 86.2%; Central College is around 86.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Simpson College tuition is $47,656/year. Central College is $20,988/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.
Open Comparison Tool