Overview of Central College
Central College, located in Pella, Iowa, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Established in 1853, Central College has a rich history and a commitment to providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement.
The campus of Central College is situated in the picturesque town of Pella, known for its Dutch heritage and charming architecture. The college’s setting provides a serene and supportive environment for students to pursue their academic and extracurricular goals.
Academically, Central College offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of the liberal arts. Students have the opportunity to major in fields such as humanities, sciences, social sciences, business, education, and the arts.
The faculty at Central College is dedicated to providing a high-quality education and engaging students in meaningful ways. The college prides itself on maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities for individualized attention and mentorship. This close interaction between students and faculty contributes to a supportive learning community.
Central College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and offers study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities to enhance students’ educational experiences. These programs allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings and gain a global perspective on their academic field.
In addition to academic pursuits, Central College places importance on the development of character, leadership, and a sense of civic responsibility. The college encourages students to participate in co-curricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and community service initiatives. These experiences contribute to the holistic development of students and help them build valuable skills beyond the academic realm.
Athletics also play a significant role at Central College. The Dutch, as the college’s athletic teams are known, compete in the NCAA Division III and are a part of the American Rivers Conference. Central College has a strong tradition of athletic success and values the role of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical well-being.
Central College’s commitment to sustainability is evident through various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. The college has implemented eco-friendly practices on campus and integrates sustainability into its curriculum, fostering an awareness of environmental issues among students.
The campus itself is well-equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. The college provides a supportive and inclusive living environment with on-campus housing options, fostering a sense of community among students.
As with any institution, Central College continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its student body and the broader society. It is advisable to check the college’s official website or contact the admissions office for the latest information on academic programs, admission requirements, and campus life.
Central College in Pella, Iowa, stands as an institution with a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a focus on developing well-rounded individuals. With a picturesque campus, dedicated faculty, and a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities, Central College provides a supportive and vibrant community for students to pursue their educational and personal goals.
812 University Street Pella, IA 50219
Phone: (641) 628-7600
Email: admissions@central.edu
Web site: http://www.central.edu
Rankings: Central College
Located in Pella, IA, Central College is one of the best universities in the state of Iowa. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Central College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Central College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 122 |
| Score: | 46 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.8 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 121 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 80.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 68.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 62% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 6 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 147 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 60.3% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.6% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 15:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 87.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 128 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 19-29 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 25% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 54% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 77.3% |
| Financial resources rank: | 162 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 140 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 23.4% |
Essential Facts: Central College
- Central College is a private institution that was founded in 1853. Central College’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #160.
- Central is the 31st school in the nation and second in Iowa to offer women’s triathlon. Two new club sports, men’s volleyball and women’s bowling, with the possibility of both becoming varsity sports.
- What began as the first community college in Seattle, WA, has grown into a thriving center for higher education that supports our dynamic and growing community.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 93% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 6% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 6% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 70% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 65% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra |