Central College
812 University St.
Pella, IA 50219

Founded in 1853, Central College is a four-year residential liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. It has a strong presence in the local and academic community and a reputation of offering the best academic and personal growth opportunities. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of areas before choosing from Central's 38 majors and 15 pre-professional programs and advising. The average class size is 20 with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. Nearly 90 percent of full-time faculty have a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in their field.

In addition to providing challenging courses in the classroom, Central College believes that practical and field experience is invaluable and encourages opportunities such as internships and The Central Teacher Academy. Seventy-six percent of Central students complete at least one internship or pre-professional experience at sites in Iowa as well as Chicago, Washington, D.C., or any of Central's eight study abroad locations.

Many of the academic programs at this Iowa college have service-learning components that allow students to absorb knowledge from every angle while working with the homeless; assisting non-English speaking families in adjusting and integrating into American life, including tax preparation; and mentoring at-risk youth. Over 87 percent of students participate in either a service-learning academic experience or a community-service volunteer opportunity before graduating.

Central College is committed to exposing students to a global experience. Over 50 percent of Central's students study in one of eight locations - Vienna, Austria; Paris, France; Granada, Spain; London, England; Merida, Mexico; Bangor, Wales; Leiden, the Netherlands; and Hangzhou, China. Internships, service-learning experiences and education field experiences are available at all sites

Outside the classroom, there is something for everyone. Central has over 80 student organizations and is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, offering 19 varsity athletics programs. Each year, Central's Campus Activities Board (CAB) sponsors 50 events bringing musicians and comedians to campus. In addition, over 250 student-organized events are offered each year.

Though Central is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, students come from many different backgrounds and denominations and participate in campus ministries as well as mission trips in the U.S., Mexico, Haiti, and Africa. The mission program continues to expand, adding new locations each year, widening the window of opportunity.

When you graduate from Central College, you'll leave with more than a degree. Your liberal arts education from Central College will take you where you want to go - farther than you ever dreamed. Central graduates work around the world, study at top graduate schools and team up alongside other alumni professionals across the country. Ninety-seven percent of Central graduates are employed in the field of their choice or have enrolled in graduate school within one year after graduation.

Quick Facts:

·       Central College currently enrolls about 1,700 students

·       98 percent of students live on campus all four years at Central College

·       98 percent of students receive financial aid

·       Central College is ranked in U.S.News and World Report, Barron's Best Buys in College Education and in Money Magazine as a best college value.

·       Central College has 19 NCAA Division III sports teams.