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University of Iowa and Central College are both public institutions — University of Iowa in Iowa City, 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.
Iowa City, IA · Public
Acceptance rate: 83.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 22,264
Tuition: $33,371/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 74.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Iowa City, 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 | University of Iowa | Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 83.6% | 86.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1130–1330 |
| 1056–1120 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–28 | 20–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 22,264 | 1,070 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $33,371/year | $20,988/year |
| Average net price after aid | $22,531 | $23,377 |
| Graduation rate | 74.6% | 66.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,762 | $54,317 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Iowa City, IA | Pella, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (83.6% vs 86.2%). University of Iowa has a lower average net price after grant aid ($22,531 vs $23,377). University of Iowa reports the higher graduation rate (74.6% vs 66.2%). University of Iowa is the larger undergraduate campus (22,264 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 University of Iowa and Central College
University of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 83.6%; Central College is around 86.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Iowa tuition is $33,371/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.
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