Centenary University logo

Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

934
Total Students
$38K
Tuition (In-State)
$38K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
97%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Centenary University

Centenary University: Evolving since 1867, offering 'True Learning' in a vibrant New Jersey setting.

Centenary University, nestled in Hackettstown, New Jersey, offers a dynamic educational experience rooted in nearly 160 years of history. This private institution, guided by its motto of "True Learning," provides a vibrant suburban campus environment, approximately 52 miles west of New York City. Students benefit from its evolving academic landscape, which has transformed from a preparatory school to a comprehensive coeducational university, embracing a diverse community of learners.

Established in 1867 as the Centenary Collegiate Institute by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the university has undergone remarkable transformations. Initially a coeducational preparatory school, it evolved into a junior college for women, then a four-year college, before achieving university status in 2016. This rich history is visibly embodied by the iconic Edward W. Seay Administration Building, a Renaissance Beaux Arts masterpiece from 1901, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which serves as the university's flagship building housing main offices, classrooms, and a Starbucks cafe.

Centenary prides itself on a wide array of academic offerings, including undergraduate and master's degree programs, with specialized pathways through its School of Professional Studies. A recent collaboration with the Ideal Institute of Technology further expands opportunities, providing vocational training alongside higher education to local communities. Beyond academics, students thrive in an engaging campus environment enriched by cultural assets like the Centenary Stage Company, a professional Equity theater, and a student-run internet radio station, fostering a holistic and immersive student experience.

Key Highlights

  • A private university in Hackettstown, New Jersey, founded on March 6, 1867, by the Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
  • Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, with a 2022 endowment of $14.4 million.
  • Supports a student body of 936 undergraduates and 462 postgraduates.
  • Home to the Centenary Stage Company, a professional Equity theater operating on campus since 1985.
  • The historic Edward W. Seay Administration Building, built in 1901, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Offers master's degree programs since 1995 and established the School of Professional Studies for adult and professional learners.
  • Campus includes a 41-acre main campus and a 36-acre Equestrian Center.

Timeline

1867
Founded as Centenary Collegiate Institute by the Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
1910
Became a girls-only institution.
1940
Renamed Centenary Junior College.
1956
Became Centenary College for Women.
1976
Renamed Centenary College; men allowed to pursue degrees during night courses.
1988
Men allowed to attend full-time.
1995
Master's degree programs introduced.
2016
Granted University status by the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education.
2024
Partnered with the Ideal Institute of Technology to offer vocational training and higher education.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Centenary University

🏫

School of Professional Studies

Founded in 1999 as the Center for Adult and Professional Studies program, renamed in 2011, it offers specialized programs for adult and professional learners.

Find Scholarships at Centenary University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search