Bowie State University vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Centenary University 12:1.

Bowie State University vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University 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 Bowie State University than Centenary University ($17,287 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 2.5% lower than at Centenary University ($12,241 vs. $12,552).
• Centenary University is 309.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $28,514 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.2% higher at Centenary University than at Bowie State University (about $17,794 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Bowie State University (99% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 334.3% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($29,617 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University 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 Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Centenary University (1080) is 140 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Centenary University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

Bowie State University vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University 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 Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Centenary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $1,109 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($24,391 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($252 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 29%)

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.