Centenary University vs. TCNJ

Comparable Facts

Compare Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ with The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of New Jersey is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (8,141 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Centenary University is located in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting); The College of New Jersey is in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Centenary University 12:1; The College of New Jersey 14:1.

Centenary University vs. TCNJ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Centenary University or TCNJ? 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 TCNJ ($22,640 vs. $25,580).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 16.2% lower than at The College of New Jersey ($12,552 vs. $14,976).
• Centenary University is 92.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than TCNJ (about $18,100 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $19,632.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.5% higher at Centenary University than at The College of New Jersey (about $11,980 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at The College of New Jersey (99% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 121.7% larger than aid received by The College of New Jersey students ($29,617 vs. $13,360).

Centenary University vs. TCNJ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Centenary University or TCNJ? 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 TCNJ and Centenary University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The College of New Jersey (1240) is 160 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Incoming TCNJ students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 18 at Centenary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 990/1170; The College of New Jersey 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 15/22; The College of New Jersey 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Centenary University - Test optional; TCNJ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TCNJ students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Centenary University vs. 19.7% at TCNJ.

Centenary University vs. TCNJ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Centenary University and TCNJ? 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).

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Centenary University's (49%).
• Graduates from The College of New Jersey earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Centenary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The College of New Jersey graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, TCNJ graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($240 vs. $263).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centenary University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 68%)

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.