About Centenary University
Centenary University draws 934 students to its suburban campus in New Jersey's hills. The school has built its reputation around business programs and one of the region's most respected equestrian studies departments. Students get close attention with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Most undergraduates are New Jersey residents, with 85% staying in-state for college.
The sticker price looks steep at $37,732 for tuition, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $19,037 after aid, with low-income families paying just $13,735. Graduates earn a median of $53,726 ten years out, while carrying typical debt of $23,163. Monthly loan payments average $246, making the financial burden manageable for most. The 93.1% employment rate suggests graduates find work readily.
This United Methodist-affiliated university keeps things small and personal. Women make up 61% of the student body, creating a female-leaning environment. The Cyclones compete in 12 NCAA Division III sports, with 208 student-athletes representing about one-fifth of the campus. The 75% retention rate indicates most freshmen stick around, though the 57% six-year graduation rate shows some students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere.
The sticker price looks steep at $37,732 for tuition, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $19,037 after aid, with low-income families paying just $13,735. Graduates earn a median of $53,726 ten years out, while carrying typical debt of $23,163. Monthly loan payments average $246, making the financial burden manageable for most. The 93.1% employment rate suggests graduates find work readily.
This United Methodist-affiliated university keeps things small and personal. Women make up 61% of the student body, creating a female-leaning environment. The Cyclones compete in 12 NCAA Division III sports, with 208 student-athletes representing about one-fifth of the campus. The 75% retention rate indicates most freshmen stick around, though the 57% six-year graduation rate shows some students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere.
Academics & Faculty
Centenary University operates as a small private university with a strong focus on business and equestrian studies. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in classrooms. Business programs attract students seeking hands-on learning opportunities in a close-knit environment. The university's nationally recognized equestrian studies program draws riders from across the region who want to compete while earning their degree. With a 56.60% six-year graduation rate, students receive moderate academic support, though some struggle to complete their programs on time. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills development rather than theoretical research. Small class sizes allow professors to work closely with individual students on projects and internships.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.6%
- Retention Rate
- 74.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,726
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,755 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,593 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $50,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,979 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,369 |
| Apparel and Textiles. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
Campus Life
Centenary's 42-acre campus sits in the foothills of northwestern New Jersey, about an hour from New York City. You'll need a solid winter coat here, as snow blankets the campus from December through March. With housing for 756 students and total enrollment of 934, roughly 80% of students live on campus, creating a close-knit residential feel where everyone knows each other.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Centenary built its reputation around equestrian studies, and you'll often see riders heading to the barns that house the university's horses. The Cyclones compete in 12 NCAA Division III sports with 208 total athletes, meaning about one in five students plays varsity athletics. Weekend life revolves around campus events and outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside. Many students drive to nearby towns like Morristown for shopping and dining, or take weekend trips to Manhattan when city life calls.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Centenary built its reputation around equestrian studies, and you'll often see riders heading to the barns that house the university's horses. The Cyclones compete in 12 NCAA Division III sports with 208 total athletes, meaning about one in five students plays varsity athletics. Weekend life revolves around campus events and outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside. Many students drive to nearby towns like Morristown for shopping and dining, or take weekend trips to Manhattan when city life calls.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 756 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.6"
Student Demographics
Centenary draws primarily from New Jersey and surrounding states, with 85% of students staying close to home. The student body leans heavily female at 61%, reflecting strong programs in education, social work, and the arts that traditionally attract more women. Nearly four in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable private education. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation at 20%, making it more multicultural than many small private colleges. Students typically choose Centenary for its intimate atmosphere and personalized attention rather than prestige.
- Men
- 38.5%
- Women
- 61.5%
- White
- 62.7%
- Black
- 7.7%
- Hispanic
- 19.9%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.7%
Location
Hackettstown sits in northwestern New Jersey, about 50 miles west of New York City. This small town of roughly 9,000 residents provides a quiet suburban setting in the Skylands region. The area features rolling hills and farmland typical of rural New Jersey. With 85% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the Garden State's geography. The campus houses 756 students in a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Downtown Hackettstown offers basic amenities but students often venture to nearby larger towns for entertainment. The location provides easy access to both Philadelphia and New York City for internships and cultural experiences. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Centenary University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,726
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,159
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,163
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Centenary University?
Centenary University accepts 96.54% of applicants, making it highly accessible to prospective students. The university focuses on providing opportunities for students who may not have been admitted to more selective institutions.
How much does Centenary University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,037 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $51,284. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many middle and lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Centenary University?
Centenary maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with only 934 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and close relationships between professors and students in programs like business and equestrian studies.
What do graduates of Centenary University earn after college?
Centenary graduates earn a median salary of $53,726 ten years after graduation. The 93.1% employment rate shows most graduates find work, though the 57% six-year graduation rate indicates some students take longer to complete their degrees.
Where is Centenary University located and what is campus life like?
Centenary sits in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with housing capacity for 756 students out of 934 total enrollment. The retention rate of 75% suggests students generally enjoy the small-town suburban setting and close-knit campus community.
Does Centenary University offer athletic scholarships?
Centenary University provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The Cyclones field 12 varsity sports with 208 total athletes, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic recruitment incentives.
