Central College vs Skidmore College
Central College and Skidmore College, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Central College, nestled in the heart of Pella, Iowa, prides itself on its strong liberal arts foundation and personalized attention, with an acceptance rate of 98% and a student body of around 1,800 undergraduates. Skidmore College, located in Saratoga Springs, New York, is known for its interdisciplinary approach, vibrant arts scene, and stunning campus, with an acceptance rate of 34% and a diverse student body of over 2,500 undergraduates. Both colleges boast impressive graduation rates, with Central College at 75% and Skidmore College at 88%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about the unique strengths and offerings of each institution, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Central College |
![]() Skidmore College |
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Overview |
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Location | Pella, Iowa | Saratoga Springs, New York |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | Suburb: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
Students retention rate | 79.0% | 90.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Protestant | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 74.5% | 30.6% |
Application fees | $25 | $65 |
SAT range | 1000 - 1260 | 1270 - 1440 |
ACT range | 19 - 25 | 29 - 33 |
Students submitting SAT score | 10.0% | 26.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 67.0% | 11.0% |
Total number of applicants | 2,202 | 11,176 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,641 | 3,419 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 340 | 719 |
Yield rate | 20.7% | 21.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $34,302 | $68,266 |
Average net price | $22,966 | $31,553 |
Tuition | $19,250 | $59,064 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,892
Meal plan:
$5,660
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Room/dormitory:
$9,500
Meal plan:
$6,568
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $10,353 |
59.0%
Average amount $43,391 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
73.0%
Average amount $5,605 |
39.0%
Average amount $4,879 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $12,712 |
4.0%
Average amount $26,954 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,139
Men 51.3% Women 48.7% |
2,686
Men 40.8% Women 59.2% |
Graduate students | N/A | N/A |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 68.4% |
International students | 0.1% | 9.1% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | Suburb: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 1,405 | 2,188 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | New York Mississippi Connecticut New Jersey California |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 8:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 66.1% | 83.6% |
Dropout rate | 2.5% | 3.5% |
Transferred out | 31.0% | 12.6% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
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