Central College in Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts college. Central is known for its academic rigor, its leadership formation and, most importantly, for its work creating genuine connections among students, faculty, coaches and alumni that help graduates realize their career aspirations for a lifetime. The college is steadfastly dedicated to cultivating diversity of thought and culture through the arts and sciences, professional fields of study and experiential learning. The Central experience is rooted in exploration and self-discovery and enhanced by life in a residential community of 1,150 students with wide-ranging perspectives. Founded in 1853, Central values its long-standing relationship with the Reformed Church in America. The college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference. Central offers academic programs in the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities and interdisciplinary programs. Recently, new programs were added in data analytics, musical theatre and strength and conditioning. B.S. degrees are now available in biochemistry, chemistry and engineering to complement the B.A. degrees that are also offered. Central's ABET-accredited engineering major has attracted students from across the United States. The college also has several professional programs and more than a dozen pre-professional tracks including dentistry, health, pharmacy, law, medicine, nursing, athletic training and public health. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, faculty and students enjoy a personalized teaching and mentoring environment. The average class size is 18 students. All classes are taught by professors, not teaching assistants, and 82% of faculty members have earned a doctorate or other terminal degree. Students have tons of opportunities to do 1:1 research with faculty. Nearly 100% of Central's graduates are employed in a field of interest, enrolled in graduate or professional school or are engaged in meaningful volunteer work, such as the Peace Corps, within one year of graduation. Central's home of Pella, Iowa, is a thriving community of more than 10,000. Pella impressively appears in Oprah's 2021 60 Charming American Towns You Haven't Heard of But Should Visit ASAP. The community is famous for its annual Tulip Time Festival, its Dutch pastries and its fully functional 1850s-style windmill.
