Central College

What is the history of Central College?

Central College is a private liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, founded in 1853. It was formerly known as Central University of Iowa, a name that can still appear in historical records.

The college began as a small institution established by Baptist settlers and later developed its affiliation with the Reformed Church in America. Its history helps explain two features of the college today: a broad undergraduate curriculum rather than a narrowly specialized one, and an institutional emphasis on community involvement. Prospective students should distinguish Central College in Pella from other institutions with "Central" in their names.

What are the faculties and departments at Central College?

Central College primarily offers undergraduate study in the liberal arts and professional fields. Its academic offerings include business, accounting, education, computer science, engineering, biology, psychology, communication, music and the visual arts.

Students can combine a major with coursework outside their main field, an important consideration for applicants interested in both a profession and a broader liberal arts education. Some paths, particularly teacher preparation, require more than completing a major: students must also meet applicable program and state requirements. Applicants should use the current academic catalog to check the credential awarded, required courses, admission requirements within a major and the availability of any specialization they want.

What is the location of Central College?

Central College is in Pella, a small city in central Iowa. Its setting offers a residential college environment rather than the day-to-day experience of a large metropolitan campus.

Pella has local shops and community events, including its well-known Tulip Time celebration. Students considering internships, clinical placements or frequent trips home should account for travel beyond town. Des Moines International Airport is the relevant regional airport, but reaching it requires ground transportation. First-year students are permitted to park a car on campus; parking rules and the practical need for a car may differ for other students.

What is the mission and vision of Central College?

Central College presents its educational purpose as a liberal arts education that develops students intellectually, personally and for lives of service. Its stated priorities include learning across disciplines, engagement with others and preparation to contribute beyond college.

The college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. That affiliation is part of its institutional identity, but applicants should look at actual course, chapel and community expectations rather than infer that every student participates in the same religious activities. A mission statement describes what an institution intends to do; it is not, by itself, evidence of any particular student outcome.