City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Education

Telephone: (877) 462-3687

Address: 812 University

Description: Nestled by the picturesque, Dutch-influenced village of Pella (the school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Dutch), Central is a liberal arts college with an enrollment of about 1,600, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Bachelor’s degrees are offered across the humanities, sciences, fine arts, and business disciplines. Average class size is 20 students, with a student–faculty ratio of 16:1. Close to 90 percent of faculty have earned the highest degree in their field. Some 50 percent of the student body participates in study abroad, attending school-sponsored programs in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Africa. Close to three-quarters participate in internships, working with Iowa-based companies or in other states. The college has an active Greek life, as well as a full slate of musical and athletic programs. The 130-acre campus, where students live the entire four years, dates to 1853 and has many unique architectural features.