Centenary University Announces the Community College Guarantee

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Feb. 3, 2025—Centenary University today announced a new scholarship program that locks in discounted tuition for recent community college graduates who transfer to the University to complete their bachelor’s degree. Called the Centenary University Community College Guarantee, the initiative promises that community college transfers can finish a bachelor’s degree at Centenary for $25,000.

To qualify, students must have earned an associate degree from any community college in the United States within the last three years. In addition, they must finish their bachelor’s degree within two years of enrolling at Centenary University.

“The Centenary University Community College Guarantee sets a tuition rate that is comparable—and even less expensive—than most of New Jersey’s public and private universities,” said Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., president of Centenary University. “In earning an associate degree, these community college graduates have already demonstrated that they can be successful in the classroom. Now, Centenary is providing them with the funding they need to finish their degree and be more successful in the workforce.”

To introduce the program, Dr. Caldwell has launched a series of meetings with community college presidents and information sessions for students to explain the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree. He is also visiting New Jersey high schools to inspire teenagers to begin considering the many opportunities available in the state to complete an undergraduate degree. “As president of Centenary University, I have learned three things that surprise me: The first is that most high school students are not aware of the benefits of attending college,” Dr. Caldwell said. “The second is that many students struggle paying tuition because they don’t understand the financial aid and scholarship process. And the third is that there are some strong anti-college voices on social media. I felt compelled to do something to address this situation.”

Studies show that college graduates with bachelor’s degrees have 57 percent more employment opportunities, received 72.4 percent of all jobs offered since 2010, and earned an average salary of $84,000, compared to $49,000 for those without a degree, Dr. Caldwell noted. In addition to the Centenary University Community College Guarantee, the University has increased scholarship support for traditional day session students and has introduced new pathways to higher education—often with discounted tuition—for working adults and vocational students.

The University is now accepting applications for the Centenary University Community College Guarantee. Community college graduates can fill out an application here or go to https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/admissions/apply-for-free

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

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