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Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ·Private nonprofit·934 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

97%
Accept
934
Students
$19,037
Net Price
57%
Grad Rate
$49,700
Earnings
10 yr
$19,321
Debt

About This School

Centenary University is a private nonprofit institution located in Hackettstown, New Jersey with approximately 934 undergraduate students enrolled. Centenary University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 97%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,037 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, and the typical graduate earns $49,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Centenary University is a private university in Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States. Founded as a preparatory school by the Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1867, Centenary evolved into a junior college for women and later a coeducational university.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 57% graduation rate and 75% freshman retention suggest that a meaningful share of students who start don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the upside, the average net price of $19,037/year is genuinely affordable for a private school, and median debt at graduation stays modest at $19,321 — so if you do complete your degree, you're not walking out buried in loans. Worth considering if you want a small, low-pressure campus environment and have a clear plan to stay enrolled, but look hard at whether the academic support and programs align with your specific goals before committing.

Founded
1867
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing32%
Education18%
Psychology6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences3%
Social Sciences2%
Communications2%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Debbie Harry

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,732
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,732
Avg Net Price
$19,037
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants38%
Median debt at graduation$19,321

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
57%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,321
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,321
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino20%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (934 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Centenary University

400 Jefferson St

Hackettstown, NJ 07840

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New Jersey

Browse all New Jersey schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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