Central College will host four Scholar Day experiences for prospective students to earn top academic scholarships beyond financial aid awards at the time of admission, up to full tuition. Scholar Days will be Saturdays, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
Scholar Day at Central engages students in open-ended group challenges designed to showcase collaboration, creativity and communication. The group discussion will focus on the Apollo space project and NASA astronaut Raja Chari. During Scholar Day, students will also interview faculty members and meet potential classmates. A program is planned for parents or guardians while the students are in discussion.
Central creates an environment where students excel, offering more scholarships and awards to incoming students than ever before. New for the 2024-25 academic year, students can apply unlimited dual and AP enrollment credits and transfer up to 75 credit hours from other institutions toward their academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
“Central was the first private college in Iowa to address higher education affordability and transparency by reducing tuition by $20,000 four years ago,” says Chevy Freiburger, vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission. “The affordable tuition, along with donor-funded scholarships, helps to make a Central education accessible to all students. We are proud of our commitment to affordable higher education for all families, regardless of income and background.”
Central is generously supported by donors. In the past year, Central has experienced an increase in alumni and Central family donor participation. This has led to Central offering the most scholarships in the history of the college including 36 full-tuition scholarships. The growth in funding also has enabled Central to give every new incoming student a Journey Scholarship and keep it for each year they attend Central.
“Everything we do is intended to help our students,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 graduate of Central. “We are thankful to our generous donors who make scholarships available to our students. Donor-funded scholarships remove barriers and open access for everyone to a high-quality Central education. Our work focuses on people first. Once you’re in the Central family, you’re with us for life, doing a world of good near and far!”
Central continues to position its tuition and financial aid support to provide the greatest value and be accessible for every income level of prospective students. Tuition, housing and food for the 2024-25 academic year will remain the same as the current year.
Affordability and value remain priorities at Central, which has been recognized as:
- One of the best colleges in America (Money.com, 2023),
- One of the top private universities in America and best value Colleges in America, and #3 in Iowa (Niche.com, 2023),
- One of the best national liberal arts colleges (U.S. News and World Report, 2022),
- Top 25% of Money magazine’s best colleges in America ranked by value (2022), and
- Top 15% in placement in best bachelor’s degree colleges for the money (College Factual, 2022).
Students who have been admitted to Central may register for a Scholar Day at central.edu/scholar-day.
