More selective than 32% of Iowa colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
8% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 58% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose Central College over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
We don't have Central College's Common Data Set yet, the college's own report of what it weighs in admissions, early decision and waitlist numbers. Work at Central College or have its file? Send it to us.
Central College SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, Central College is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 528 | 560 |
| SAT math | 528 | 560 |
| ACT composite | 20 | 26 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1056 | 1120 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
Central College admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 86% | 528–560 | 528–560 | 20–26 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 79% | 490–580 | 445–625 | 19–25 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is Central College compared with other Iowa colleges?
Central College has the 20th-lowest acceptance rate of 29 Iowa colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Northwestern College | 80% | 66% | $25,907 |
| 17 | Graceland University-Lamoni | 81% | 42% | $18,504 |
| 18 | Mount Mercy University | 83% | 58% | $20,168 |
| 19 | University of Iowa | 84% | 75% | $22,531 |
| 20 | Central College | 86% | 66% | $23,377 |
| 21 | Simpson College | 86% | 63% | $21,936 |
| 22 | University of Dubuque | 89% | 40% | $23,386 |
| 23 | Iowa State University | 89% | 75% | $18,589 |
| 24 | University of Northern Iowa | 93% | 68% | $15,901 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All Iowa colleges →
Who enrolls at Central College
College Scorecard; IPEDS
Central College admissions questions
What is the Central College acceptance rate?
Central College accepts 86% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 1,562 of 1,978 applicants were admitted.
Does Central College require the SAT or ACT?
Central College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 8% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 58% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for Central College?
The middle 50% of Central College enrolled first-year students scored 1056–1120 on the SAT and 20–26 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at Central College?
18% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (274 of 1,562).
Is Central College getting harder to get into?
Central College accepted 86% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 79% for Fall 2023.
Is Central College the right fit for your family?
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to Central College overview