Central College announces its lowest tuition percentage increase in eight years. The 2009-10 tuition increase of 4.5 percent, or just $1,066, is well below the national average increase of 8 percent. Central is also increasing total costs by 4.5 percent. Room costs are up $178, while board rose $184. All other costs remain the same.

The 2008-09 national average increase for four-year colleges and universities was 6.4 percent; Central’s increase was 6 percent last year.

Fees for the 2009-10 academic year are listed below:

Tuition $24,630

Room 4,104

Board* 4,264

Activity fee 180

Technology fee 200

Total $33,378

*denotes 20 meal plan



“Central College acknowledges the difficulties families are having during this tough economic time and is determined to help families finance their sons’ and daughters’ advancement in education,” said President David Roe. “We believe in the value of a Central College education and want to make it easier for those students who truly want to be at Central.”

Central’s financial aid department works with students to help them understand their financial needs and find the best opportunities for loans and scholarships. Approximately 98 percent of the student body receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, federal and state loans and work study. The average financial aid offer for first-year Central students for the 2008-09 school year was $23,618 including scholarships, grants, work study and federal student loans. Scholarship information is available at www.central.edu/financialaid or contact Central’s financial aid department at 641-628-5911.

“It’s important for families to know that the sticker price listed, isn’t going to be the amount they pay,” said Jean Vander Wert, director of financial aid. “It’s a partnership between the college, families and students. There are so many options to help finance higher education, especially at Central. It’s good policy to start preparing early. Students can greatly reduce their bottom line by pursuing local scholarships in addition to aid offered by Central.”

Central is one of 12 Iowa colleges associated with the Independent 529 Plan, a college savings plan that allows people to prepay tuition today that their child can later use at any member college. It provides a guarantee against tuition inflation, and the flexibility to choose from some of the nations’ top colleges. Go to www.independent529plan.org for more information.

Central College is a private, coeducational, four-year, residential liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, offering 36 majors along with pre-professional programs and advising. Central was recognized in the 2009 U.S.News & World Report’s annual rankings of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation. Central’s study abroad program was included in the programs to look for section. More information about Central College is available by calling 877-462-3687, or online at www.central.edu