Illinois College vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Centenary University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (1,398 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Centenary University 12:1.

Illinois College vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College 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 Illinois College than Centenary University ($17,375 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois College are 4.2% lower than at Centenary University ($12,026 vs. $12,552).
• Illinois College is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centenary University (about $944 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $37,732.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Illinois College than at Centenary University (about $944 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $37,732.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College than at Centenary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 6.7% larger than aid received by Centenary University students ($31,609 vs. $29,617).

Illinois College vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois College 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 Illinois College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Centenary University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Illinois College (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College 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: Illinois College 883/1180; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26; Centenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

Illinois College vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Centenary University's (49%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Illinois College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centenary University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Illinois College graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Centenary University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centenary University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.