Since 1886, Iowa Baptists had shifted their post-secondary education interests to Des Moines College, and hoped to reduce Central to a feeder school.

[10] It was home to local radio station 89.1 KCUI-FM and the award-winning newspaper “The Ray.” Central has a history of interesting architectural features.

[12] Central is a residential campus where students can live in residence halls, townhouses, and apartment style "green pods."

The college's emphasis on sustainability has led to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Vermeer Science Center was Iowa's first LEED-rated building, and Howard McKee Hall received the first gold rating in the state.

Weller Center for Business and International Studies—Built in 1999, it was Central's first step in green building featuring natural light, solar panels and carpet made of recycled materials in every room.

Geisler Library—Holds nearly a quarter of a million resources including books, magazines, newspapers, music, reference periodicals, microfilm, historical information and art.

The field is surrounded by a 400-meter BSS 1000 polyurethane track which also houses dual runways for jumping events and a two-way pole vault pit.

Sports include football, wrestling, volleyball, softball, baseball, women's triathlon, golf, track, cross country, soccer, basketball, tennis, cheerleading and dance.

Clubs and Organizations include intramural sports, mock trial, non-national Greek life, Campus Ministries and more.

There are honorary organizations for theatre, chemistry, mathematics, art, music, history, political science, psychology, English and biology.