USJ vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Saint Joseph is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (1,952 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Saint Joseph is located in West Hartford, CT (Small City setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Saint Joseph is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Saint Joseph 10:1; Centenary University 12:1.

USJ vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USJ 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 Centenary University than USJ ($22,640 vs. $29,300).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 13% lower than at University of Saint Joseph ($12,552 vs. $14,426).
• University of Saint Joseph is 25.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centenary University (about $9,546 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $37,732.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at USJ than at Centenary University (about $9,546 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $37,732.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Saint Joseph than at Centenary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Saint Joseph students is 3.8% larger than aid received by Centenary University students ($30,747 vs. $29,617).

USJ vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USJ 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 USJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Centenary University (1080) is 70 points higher than at USJ (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Saint Joseph 850/1170; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USJ - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman USJ students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than USJ (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at USJ vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

USJ vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USJ 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).

• University of Saint Joseph's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Centenary University's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Saint Joseph earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Centenary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centenary University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than USJ graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Centenary University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USJ graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USJ 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.