Parents & Families

We Are Family
College is where your student will develop skills and maturity to be an engaged citizen. As a residential campus, the Central College experience builds lifelong friendships, independence and responsible citizens.
You may have questions and we can ease your mind. We want to help you learn about Central and our close-knit community, so you and your family have information when deciding on Central in the college search.
Experiences for a Lifetime
You just want what’s best for your student. The Central experience challenges and nurtures students to become their best selves.
Central’s outstanding faculty bring their expertise to the classroom and push students to use every last brain cell. And with an average class ratio of 12:1, faculty can easily support students in a personalized mentoring environment. Central’s faculty are accomplished scholars. They conduct important research, publish articles in leading academic journals, present at conferences and author books. But they are at Central because their first love — and their priority — is providing world-class undergraduate instruction for the students they serve while helping them discover and develop their greatest potential. In fact, Central students as well as faculty have been named Fulbright Scholars and are researching and working overseas.
Academics Faculty Research
Proof is in the Outcomes
Central’s career development services let students connect with professionals in their interests. Our alumni are leaders in social justice, business, science, education and so many other fields. Students can participate in off-campus educational experiences . And the fun and rewarding campus life will create the transformational experience of a lifetime for your student.
Career Development Off-Campus Experiences Outcomes
Finding the Right Fit
As a parent or guardian of a future Central student, you play a key role in helping your student navigate the college selection and application process.
We welcome you and your student to visit campus. This provides the best opportunity to see first-hand our engaging classes, meet professors, eat in Central Market, tour residence halls and view athletics facilities.
During your visit, you’ll also meet current students to begin making connections and learn what campus is really like.
Admission Ambassadors Visit Campus Virtual TourCalling Central Home
Family is important at Central. We welcome your student with open arms into the Central family.
Your student will have daily interactions with our professional and caring team — class deans, faculty, dining services staff, coaches, facilities management staff, tutors, counselors, career development — dedicated to your student’s academic and personal well-being. They help students create a caring home-away-from-home where they grow and mature into responsible, engaged citizens.
Class Deans Student Stories Living on CampusResources
Making decisions about college and preparing for your student’s future can be stressful. Let our team of admission counselors answer your questions and connect you to the resources you want.
From the admission process, tuition and financial aid, to our student services and tips for moving to campus, we will walk with you throughout your student’s Central journey.
FAQ Dates & Deadlines Parent Council Move-In GuideExplore The Latest from Central
Find the latest news from around Central, or check out upcoming campus events.
In the Spotlight
Jessica Duffy ’25 was connected to amazing opportunities through the Central College network. During her internship at Des Moines Performing Arts Center under Sara Perez ’02, she gained real-world experiences that helped shape her career aspirations.
Latest News
- Central College Hosts Screening of “The League” and Q&A with Producer Byron Motley
- Terence J. Kleven to Be Installed as Dr. Jacob and Gela Schnucker Sessler Chair of Philosophy and Religion
- Central College Names Iwan Williams Executive Director of Retail Management
- Central College Announces Adam Gregg will be the 2025 Commencement Speaker
- Central College Unveils 1853 Challenge
Feature Stories
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