Rankings place Centenary among national and statewide leaders for advancing the careers and lives of first-generation students and those facing economic challenges

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Sept. 24, 2025—Centenary University was named a Top Performer in Social Mobility in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges listing, which was released yesterday. The designation places Centenary among the nation’s best educational institutions for advancing the careers and lives of its graduates, especially first-generation students and those facing economic challenges.

In this year’s listing, Centenary is ranked 11th among Top Performers for Social Mobility among regional universities in the northeast. In addition, Centenary achieved a 98^th place ranking in the Regional Universities North listing. “I am extremely proud of Centenary University’s continuing recognition as an outstanding provider of accessible and affordable education, especially for students facing significant life challenges,” said Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., president of Centenary University. “While national rankings are an important indicator of institutional excellence, I measure Centenary’s success in the lives of our students and alumni. Last year, three of our competitive teams—Centenary Enactus and two equestrian teams—placed among the top teams in the United States. And Centenary alumni are well-respected professionals in a host of careers, from business and education, to criminal justice, veterinary medicine, and equestrian fields.”

According to the U.S. News & World Report website, the publication's social mobility ranking measures how well schools graduate large proportions of economically and educationally disadvantaged recipients of federal Pell Grants, the majority of which are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family income is under $50,000 annually. The social mobility ranking specifically tracks each college’s success at graduating Pell Grant recipients and achieving equitable outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds.

Centenary has a deep commitment to advancing the lives of first-gen students and those facing financial and family challenges. The University has been selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member for its commitment to improving experiences and fostering success for first-generation college students and instituted an honor society to recognize the accomplishments of first-gen students. In addition to generous aid packages—100 percent of Centenary students receive tuition assistance—the University offers a robust Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) to provide academic, social, and financial support to eligible Centenary students, producing countless student leaders and successful Centenary alumni. 

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 Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.