Fitchburg State vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fitchburg State University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Centenary University 12:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State or Centenary University? 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 Fitchburg State University than Centenary University ($15,340 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 18.8% lower than at Fitchburg State University ($12,552 vs. $15,452).
• Centenary University is 232.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $26,386 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.5% higher at Centenary University than at Fitchburg State University (about $20,306 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Fitchburg State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 156.7% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($29,617 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fitchburg State University (1150) is 70 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Fitchburg State students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Centenary University (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

Fitchburg State vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State and Centenary University? 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 Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $2,815 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($22,685 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($234 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 65%)

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.