Information about Central
Central College is strongly committed to creating a diverse community. In furtherance of that commitment, the College encourages candidates that are from diverse backgrounds, under represented groups, and/or have had experience working with and/or interacting with individuals from diverse populations to apply.Mission Statement
Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to helping students discover and develop their greatest potential. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence.
The college nurtures the development of the mind, while fostering spiritual and emotional maturity and physical well-being. Central integrates career preparation with the development of values essential to responsible citizenship, empowering graduates for effective service in local, national, and international communities.
College and Community
Central College, a liberal arts college of approximately 1700 students, was founded in 1853. Central's student enrollment is the ideal size to attract excellent faculty and provide a varied academic and extra-curricular program, yet maintain small campus intimacy for a campus community drawn from 37 states and 17 foreign countries. Central is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, but many religious backgrounds are represented.
Pella is a pleasant community of over 10,000 people, proud of its Dutch heritage and famous for its annual tulip festival. The campus is just 38 miles Southeast of Des Moines, the state capitol, and easily accessible to entertainment and cultural events. Four miles away is the 13,000-acre Red Rock Reservoir and accompanying water recreation facilities.
Directions to Campus
From the north and east: Take exit 173, Kellogg/Sully off I-80. Drive south on T-22 and follow the signs to Pella. (Specifically you'll drive on T-22 for approximately 5 miles, then right (west) on to F-62 for 2 miles then left again on T-14 for 12 miles.) T-14 turns into Main Street. At Main Street, continue south until you reach the stoplight at University Street. Turn right and go one and a half blocks to Central College. The parking lot for the office of admission will be located on the right side of the street.
From the southeast: From Highway 163 North take exit 42, turn right and head north into town and drive to Oskaloosa Street. Turn left and follow the road to the stoplight at University Street. Turn left and follow directions above.
From the southwest: Turn right on T-15 North across the dam over Lake Red Rock. Take the first road right after crossing the dam. Central College will be on your left after about 3 1/2 miles.
From the west: Take Highway 163 to exit 40, turn left. Drive to the stoplight at the corner of Pella's town square and turn right onto Broadway Street. Drive to University Street and turn right, the parking lot for the office of admission will be located on the right side of the street about halfway down the block.
Printable directions and campus map
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