Centenary University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shenandoah University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Centenary University is located in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Centenary University 12:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Centenary University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Centenary University or SU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Centenary University than SU ($22,640 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 0.5% lower than at Centenary University ($12,490 vs. $12,552).
• Centenary University is 2.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $782 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.1% higher at Centenary University than at Shenandoah University (about $782 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Centenary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($29,617 vs. $24,747).

Centenary University vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Centenary University or SU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SU and Centenary University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 40 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Incoming SU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Centenary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 990/1170; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 15/22; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Centenary University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Centenary University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Centenary University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Centenary University and SU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.