Tuition, Room, Board, Fees
(Please see below or call us toll-free at 877-462-3687 to receive a copy of our current tuition, room, board and fees.)
Students entering fall semester 2023-24 will be charged tuition (based on a flat amount for 12-18 credits), room, board and fees. Students may choose the board plan that fits their needs.
The charges given in the table below are for 2023-24. Charges for 2024-25 will be determined in January 2024.
For more information, view the 2023-24 Rate & Fee Schedule (PDF) or call toll-free 877-462-3687 and request a printed copy of Central’s fees for 2023-24.
2023-24 Tuition, Room, Board, Fees
| Total (2 Semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition (12-18 credits) | $20,988 |
| Board (“Red” 19-meal plan) | $6,260 |
| Board (“Silver” 14-meal plan) | $5,960 |
| Room (normal occupancy) | $5,800 |
| TOTAL (“Red” 19-meal plan) | $33,048 |
| TOTAL (“Silver” 14-meal plan) | $32,748 |
Tuition
Tuition for 2023-24 is $10,494.00 per semester for 12 semester hours and $875.00 per semester hour for those credits outside the 12-18 semester hours that constitute the normal academic load. For example, a part-time student who elects to carry 10 semester hours of credit will be charged $8,750.00 for tuition (10 x $875.00). A full-time student who elects to carry 19 credits of non-tuition exempt credit (see overload policy below) will be charged $11,369.00 ($10,494.00 plus $875.00) for the extra semester hour of credit.
Overload
Students who wish to register for more than 18 semester hours will need permission from the registrar’s office unless they are enrolled in one or more of the following overload-exempt courses: group ensembles (MUSG courses), .5 credits study abroad pre-departure and re-entry courses (GENR-225), Language House Experience (SPAN-330, FREN-330, GERM-330), Mock Trial (GENR-214), 1-2 credits Central teachers academy internships (EDUC-397), honors enrichment courses, interdisciplinary honors seminar, senior honors thesis courses/projects, honors seminar (HONR-191/ HONR-391), Writing-293, private music instruction (MUSL courses; instructional fee still applies).
Room
The basic charge for all on-campus residence units is $2,900 per semester. The general rule is two persons per room. An additional charge of $454* per semester is assessed for a private room and $654* for a private double room.
* These numbers have yet to be adjusted for 2023-24 and still reflect 2022-23 rates.
Board
Two meal plans are offered: a “Red” 19-meal plan or a “Silver” 14-meal plan. The 2023-24 rate for the Red 19-meal plan is $3,130 per semester; the Silver 14-meal plan is $2,980. A commuter meal plan is available for students living off campus. A commuter meal plan can be purchased for $445 and includes 50 meals. The meal plan week runs from Saturday through Friday.
- The Red meal plan is $3,130 per semester for 19 swipes per week or up to 4 swipes per day. A maximum of two swipes may be used per meal period. Students will also receive $100 in Dutch Guilders per semester for meal purchases at the Market, Fred’s or the Global Café. Any balance of Dutch Guilders remaining at the end of the semester will be lost. A swipe used at Fred’s or the Global Café is good for value meal only during the designated meal time.
- The Silver meal plan is $2,980 per semester for 14 swipes per week or up to 4 swipes per day. A maximum of two swipes may be used per meal period. Students will also receive $150 in Dutch Guilders per semester for meal purchases at the Market, Fred’s or the Global Café. Any balance of Dutch Guilders remaining at the end of the semester will be lost. A swipe used at Fred’s or the Global Café is good for value meal only during the designated meal time.
Additional Fees
Class or Program Fees
| Monthly Payment Plan Electronic | No Charge |
| Art (161, 267, 367, 350, 270, 370) | $25 |
| Kinesiology (111, 151, 215, 257, 361) | $60 |
| Ceramics I and II (262, 362) | $50 |
| Engineering (214, 322, 485) | $100 |
| General – Science Lab | $110 |
| Glassblowing Fee | $175 |
| Intro to Fine Arts (210) | $235 |
| Music Lesson Fee 1 credit, private 1 credit, class Organ practice time per week |
$240 $110 $10 |
| Student Teaching: Pella campus-based | $120 |
| Student Teaching: Special permission off-site | $500 |
Miscellaneous Fees and Deposits
| Monthly Payment Plan Electronic | $20 per term |
| Audit, General (per semester hour) | $75 |
| Enrollment Deposit Freshman/new student – no refund after May 1 |
$200 |
| Housing Deposit | $200 |
| Chicago (non-refundable, paid directly to program) Application Fee Deposit |
$50 $325 |
| Washington (non-refundable, paid directly to program) Application Fee Housing Deposit |
$60 $300 |
Off-Campus Faculty-Led Programs
| Fee based on program content, location, location plus transportation | $300 deposit (non-refundable) |
Semester International Programs
| Deposit | $750 |
Summer Tuition
| On-campus per credit hour | $500 |
| Online per credit hour | $300 |
| Internships per credit hour | $300 |
| Business Horizons | $125 |
| Summer Faculty-led for credit, per credit hour | $300 |
Community-Based Learning – Student Travel Reimbursement (round trip)
| Des Moines | $12 |
| Ottumwa | $12 |
| Newton | $7 |
| Knoxville | $6 |
| Oskaloosa | $6 |
Library/Media Materials & Equipment
| Overdue Books & CDs Max | $0.25/day |
| Lost Book | Replacement cost + $15 fine |
| Periodicals, Videos | $1.00/day |
| Hourly Reserves | $1.00/hour |
| Video & A.V. Equipment | $1.00/day |
| 3-Day Reserves | $1.00/day |
| Other Audio Video Equipment | $1.00/day |
| Maximum fine for overdue items Books, periodicals, etc. Video equipment |
$5 $25 |
| Library/Media Lost Items Fines and Fees | Replacement cost + overdue fine + $15 processing |
Additional course fees may be applied for courses including a travel component. Check the searchable schedule for information.
Music ensembles may have additional fees based on tour schedules.