At $19,037/yr net price, Centenary University graduates earn $53,726/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,726/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,037 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,726/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,726/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,163 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,735/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,416/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,190/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,819/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,288/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,755 | $39,633 |
| 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 | $23,611 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,979 | $25,000 |
| 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 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
56.6% of students at Centenary University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Centenary University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $53,726 barely justifying the $19,037 annual net price. The 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degrees, creating dead-weight debt without the credential.
Business administration stands out as the clear winner, generating $79,755 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $39,633. Educational administration also performs well at $69,593, though this requires graduate-level training. Most other programs hover around $50,000, which provides modest returns given the total investment.
The school's 75% retention rate signals academic struggles that translate into financial risk. You face significant odds of dropping out without a degree, leaving you with debt but no improved earning power. The regional job market in northwestern New Jersey offers limited high-paying opportunities outside specialized fields.
Centenary makes financial sense if you plan to study business and can complete your degree. The business program's earnings premium justifies the cost, particularly for students who stay local where living costs remain manageable. Education majors should proceed cautiously, as teacher salaries around $50,000 create tight repayment scenarios.
With only 38% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. You'll likely pay close to sticker price, making cost comparison with state schools essential. Consider Centenary only if you receive substantial aid or plan to pursue the business program with strong confidence in your ability to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centenary University worth the cost?
Centenary University's value depends heavily on your program choice. Business and educational administration graduates earn $70,000-80,000 annually, making the $19,000 net price worthwhile, but other programs show weaker returns with median earnings around $53,700.
What is Centenary University's return on investment?
Centenary University shows mixed ROI results. The school's business and education administration programs offer strong earning potential, but the 57% graduation rate and $53,700 median earnings suggest many students don't see strong returns on their investment.
How much debt do Centenary University students graduate with?
Centenary University graduates carry a median debt of $23,163. This debt level is manageable for business and education administration majors who earn $70,000+, but creates repayment challenges for graduates in lower-paying programs.
Which programs at Centenary University have the best job prospects?
Business administration and educational administration are Centenary University's strongest programs financially, with graduates earning $70,000-80,000 annually. Teaching programs show more modest returns around $50,000-51,000, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.