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Centenary University vs Saint Elizabeth University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Hackettstown NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Morristown NJ

The verdict

Centenary University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,012 in 15.3 years versus 19.8 years at Saint Elizabeth University, on median earnings of $53,726 vs $53,038 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentenary UniversitySaint Elizabeth University
Net price / yr$20,503$23,125
Total net cost$82,012$92,500
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,726$53,038
Median debt$23,163$24,934
Payback15.3 yrs19.8 yrs
20-year net return$25,308$1,060

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Centenary University or Saint Elizabeth University?

Centenary University, at $20,503 a year after aid versus $23,125 — a gap of $2,622 a year, or $10,488 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Centenary University or Saint Elizabeth University graduates earn more?

Centenary University graduates report a median $53,726 ten years after entry, $688 more than the $53,038 at Saint Elizabeth University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Centenary University or Saint Elizabeth University?

Centenary University: its completers carry a median $23,163 in federal loans versus $24,934 at Saint Elizabeth University, a difference of $1,771. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Centenary University, against 51% at Saint Elizabeth University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Centenary University vs Saint Elizabeth University: frequently asked questions

Is Centenary University or Saint Elizabeth University a better value?
Centenary University. It clears its $82,012 net cost in about 15.3 years versus 19.8 years at Saint Elizabeth University, on median earnings of $53,726 vs $53,038 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Centenary University or Saint Elizabeth University?
Centenary University: $20,503/yr net price after aid versus $23,125/yr at Saint Elizabeth University — a difference of $2,622 a year, or about $10,488 over four years.
Do Centenary University or Saint Elizabeth University graduates earn more?
Centenary University graduates earn a median $53,726 ten years after entry, versus $53,038 at Saint Elizabeth University — a $688 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.