PUC vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Centenary University is larger than PUC based on total student enrollment (1,398 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Union College is located in Angwin, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Pacific Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Union College 12:1; Centenary University 12:1.

PUC vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PUC 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 PUC ($22,640 vs. $22,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 21.8% lower than at Centenary University ($9,816 vs. $12,552).
• Centenary University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PUC (about $559 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $37,173.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Centenary University than at Pacific Union College (about $559 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $37,173.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College than at Centenary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Pacific Union College students ($29,617 vs. $26,629).

PUC vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PUC 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 PUC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Centenary University (1080) is 20 points higher than at PUC (1060).
• Incoming PUC 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: Pacific Union College 930/1190; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 20/24; Centenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PUC - Test-free; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman PUC students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14% at PUC vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

PUC vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PUC 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 Pacific Union College's (45%).
• Graduates from Pacific Union College earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Centenary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centenary University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than PUC graduates ($25,500 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Centenary University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($263 vs. $310).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 57%)

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.