Centenary University Named One of America’s Best Colleges for Women by Newsweek and Gender Fair

Rankings place Centenary among statewide and national leaders for putting in place structural elements that support education and employment of women.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, April 20, 2026—Centenary University was recently named one of America’s Best Colleges for Women in a new ranking by Newsweek. Compiled in partnership with Gender Fair, the ranking recognizes institutions of higher learning across the nation that intentionally structure operations to support the education and employment of women. 

The listing tapped data from the US Department of Education to rank institutions based on their ability to ensure that colleges address gender equality. The final listing is based on data including women in leadership roles on campus, pay parity, campus safety, and opportunities for faculty and students.  

            In this year’s inaugural listing, Centenary ranked sixth among New Jersey’s colleges and universities and 186th in the nation, achieving its highest scores in campus safety, leadership, and pay and policy. Also noted, but not included in the scoring, was New Jersey’s five-star rating for reproductive policies. In all, 751 colleges and universities were included in the listing.

            Centenary University has been a leader in higher education for women since its founding in 1867. The university first opened as the Centenary Collegiate Institute, a two-year coeducational preparatory school, but became a preparatory school solely for women in 1910. In 1940, college courses were offered and the institution evolved into Centenary Junior College, and later, Centenary College for Women, granting associate degrees to female students. In 1976, Centenary College became a four-year institution of higher learning for women before offering full-time coeducational programs in 1988. The New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education granted Centenary’s application for university status in 2016.

“From its founding, Centenary University has believed in the transformative power of educating women to lead with confidence, purpose, and impact,” said Centenary University President John R. Schol, D.Min. “That commitment continues to define who we are today and who we are becoming. Being recognized by Newsweek as one of the best places for women affirms the core of our mission: to foster a community where women are challenged to grow, supported to succeed, and empowered to shape their own futures. This honor reflects the dedication and excellence of our students, faculty, and staff, and the inclusive, dynamic future we are building together.”