Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Hackettstown, New Jersey
96.7% Acceptance Rate
Centenary University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
96.7%Acceptance Rate
3.23Avg GPA
1080Avg SAT
$51,351Annual Cost
$53,726Grad Salary
37.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
96.7%
Avg GPA
3.23
Avg SAT
1080
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1110
Need-Based Aid
37.7% receive Pell
Centenary University is a private, liberal arts institution in New Jersey that emphasizes professional preparation, academic excellence, and personalized mentorship. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, character, and their readiness to thrive in an environment that prioritizes hands-on learning. The university seeks individuals who are looking for a high-quality education that integrates professional skills with a solid liberal arts foundation.
Successful applicants often demonstrate significant involvement in extracurriculars that show leadership or potential for community contribution. Demonstrating a clear approach to one's future career plans and explaining how the university's unique, professional-focused academic model will facilitate those goals is a strong way to impress the admissions committee. The university looks for students who will contribute to its modern, supportive, and professional-oriented campus environment and who demonstrate a commitment to both intellectual and professional growth.
Centenary University Acceptance Rate
Centenary University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 96.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 96.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.23 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.03 – 3.22
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.78
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Centenary University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Centenary University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of August 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 7 days left — Regular
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Centenary University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Regular
August 1
Priority
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Centenary University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Centenary University is 3.23. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.43-3.63 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.93 and 3.23, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Centenary University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Centenary University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.23, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.23 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.03 – 3.22
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.83 – 3.02
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.82
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Centenary's BS in Animal Health (Pre-Vet) uses the horse as a teaching model, with direct access to the staff veterinarian caring for the Equestrian Center's herd of 100+ horses for accruing practical vet-school hours.
- Equine Studies and Animal Health students share introductory coursework freshman year and declare their specific major/concentration in sophomore year.
- General admission does not require SAT/ACT scores, though they may be submitted to support the application; a personal interview is strongly recommended.
- Equine Studies candidates must meet specific Technical Standards (observation, communication, motor, intellectual, behavioral/social abilities), with accommodations evaluated case-by-case.
- The Rigor Metric: At Centenary University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Centenary University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Centenary University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Centenary University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Centenary University Without SAT or ACT?
Centenary University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Centenary University Average SAT Score: 1080
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Centenary University is 1080 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1080 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1080 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1110 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Centenary University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Centenary University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1080 | 1040 | 1110 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1040 then you are below most of the admitted students at Centenary University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1110 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Centenary University with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Centenary University are good but the admission staff at Centenary University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Centenary University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Centenary University provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Use the on-campus Equestrian Center's veterinarian to accrue real vet-school hours
Centenary's BS in Animal Health (Pre-Vet) uses the horse as a teaching model and gives students direct opportunities to work with the staff veterinarian caring for the Equestrian Center's herd of over 100 horses - hours that count directly toward the practical veterinary experience most vet schools require. If pre-vet is your goal, prioritize building a relationship with the staff veterinarian early and log these hours systematically, since this on-campus access is a genuine substitute for seeking outside veterinary shadowing placements.
Take Pre-Calculus in high school if you're eyeing the Animal Health track
Centenary strongly recommends successfully completing Pre-Calculus or higher before entering the BS in Animal Health (Pre-Vet) program, given its academic rigor. If you're a high school student considering this pre-vet track, prioritize reaching Pre-Calculus specifically rather than stopping at Algebra II, since this is a stated readiness marker specific to this major.
Know you'll pick your specific equine major sophomore year, not as a freshman
All Equine Studies and Animal Health students take the same introductory coursework freshman year and don't declare their specific major (Equine Studies, Equine Science, Animal Health Pre-Vet, or the Equestrian Media & PR concentration) until sophomore year. If you're unsure which specific equine track fits you, don't feel pressure to decide before enrolling - use your first year to explore before committing, since Centenary's own structure is built around this delayed declaration.
Review the Equine Studies Technical Standards before applying if you have a relevant disability
Centenary requires Equine Studies candidates to demonstrate abilities in five specific areas - observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social - with accommodations determined by the university on a case-by-case basis if needed. If you have a disability that might intersect with these physical or sensory demands, request the full Technical Standards document and discuss accommodation options with the Equine Studies department before applying, rather than after enrollment.
Expert Insight:
A specific and easy-to-miss detail is that satisfying Centenary's Animal Health (Pre-Vet) major does not automatically cover every individual veterinary school's specific prerequisites - the university explicitly states each student is responsible for determining any additional coursework required by their target veterinary program, so a student should cross-check their specific target vet schools' requirements well before senior year rather than assuming Centenary's curriculum alone is universally sufficient.
Centenary University Profile
Full Name
Centenary University
City
Hackettstown
State
New Jersey
ZIP Code
7840
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Centenary University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Centenary University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Centenary University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Centenary University is $87,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.04%.
How much does a degree from Centenary University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Centenary University is $51,351. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Centenary University is much less than this.
37.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 81.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Centenary University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Centenary University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Centenary University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Centenary University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $53,726. An average Centenary University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Centenary University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Centenary University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Centenary University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Centenary University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Centenary University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53,726 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $51,351 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
37.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Centenary University is 96.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.23. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.93, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.93, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.83 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.23, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Centenary University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1080 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1040–1110.
The application deadline for Centenary University is August 1 for Regular applicants. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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