TU vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

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

Towson University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Towson University is located in Towson, MD (Small City setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Towson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Towson University 14:1; Centenary University 12:1.

TU vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 Towson University than Centenary University ($16,653 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 22.8% lower than at Towson University ($12,552 vs. $16,260).
• Centenary University is 221.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than TU (about $26,004 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $11,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.5% higher at Centenary University than at Towson University (about $7,912 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $29,820.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Towson University (99% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 150.6% larger than aid received by Towson University students ($29,617 vs. $11,820).

TU vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Towson University (1090) is 10 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Incoming TU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Centenary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 950/1235; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27; Centenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than TU (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

TU vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Centenary University's (49%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Centenary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($17,750 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($183 vs. $263).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centenary University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 68%)

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.