Central College reported a 2.9% tuition increase for the 2022-23 school year, as detailed in the most recent disclosure, according to the latest disclosure from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Students enrolled at the four-year private not-for-profit institution paid $19,800 this year, which is $550 higher than the $19,250 charged during the 2021-22 academic year.
Approximately 73% of the undergraduate students at Central College are residents of Iowa, while about 26% come from other states.
Data indicates that every full-time undergraduate who began studies at Central College in 2022-23 received some form of student financial aid. A total of 351 students were awarded grants or scholarships amounting to $4.5 million, and 259 students borrowed more than $2.1 million in student loans.
Across all undergraduate students, 1,139 received grants or scholarships totaling $12.9 million. Additionally, 766 students took out federal student loans totaling $5 million.
Undergraduate education costs have seen a significant increase over the past few decades. Data shows a 169% rise in the average total cost, including tuition, fees, room, and board, between 1980 and 2020.
According to a 2023 College Board report, in-state students at public universities paid an average of $11,260, while out-of-state students paid $29,150 in the 2023-24 academic year.
Meanwhile, student loan debt has steadily increased over the last 30 years, reaching $1.75 trillion in 2024, averaging a total of $28,950 per borrower. Federal loans make up 92% of the debt, with over half of students at both public and private four-year colleges graduating with student loans.
Available data sometimes exceeds 100% due to rounding and administrative calculations.
| Type of Aid | Number of students awarded aid | Percent awarded aid | Total amount of aid awarded | Average amount of aid per student |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal grants | 111 | 32% | $595,182 | $5,362 |
| State / local grant or scholarship | 211 | 60% | $1.3 million | $5,976 |
| Institutional grants or scholarships | 351 | 100% | $2.6 million | $7,390 |
| Grant or scholarship aid total | 351 | 100% | $4.5 million | $12,678 |
| Federal student loans | 258 | 74% | $1.4 million | $5,581 |
| Other student loans | 53 | 15% | $695,225 | $13,117 |
| Student loan aid | 259 | 74% | $2.1 million | $8,244 |
| Total student aid | 351 | 100% | $6.6 million | $18,761 |
