November 1, 2023
Innovative approach to adult education will provide discounted tuition and other amenities to break down barriers preventing full-time workers from completing a college degree.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, November 1, 2023 — It hasn’t taken long for Centenary University’s new capital campaign to make an impact. The University today introduced its first academic initiative — a new Working Degree Program — to launch as part of the $8 million Campaign for College announced by President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., during his recent inauguration as the institution’s 15th president. The campaign will provide financial assistance, specialized academic programs, and support services to ensure that every student, regardless of family income or financial circumstances, has sufficient money to earn a Centenary University degree.
“Far too many students do not have money to attend college at all, so they go to work full-time upon graduation from high school,” Dr. Caldwell said, citing a study showing that college graduates earn an average salary of $84,000, compared to $49,000 for those without a degree. “Yet once in the workforce, they are stuck, without opportunities for advancement because they lack a college degree. This campaign is not just about Centenary. It’s about emphasizing the value of a college education on a national level, and then creating multiple pathways for folks from all walks of life to earn a degree.”
Noting that the silent phase of the campaign raised more than $2.1 million, he continued, “The Campaign for College will change that national narrative—and in fact, is already making an impact on Centenary students. Through the immediate support of donors, Centenary now offers discounted tuition for adults who are working full time and enrolled in the Working Degree Program.”
The Working Degree Program will offer four new bachelor’s degrees: Working B.A. in Psychology, Working Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Working B.S. in Accounting, and Working B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting, data analytics, management, marketing, social media marketing, and sustainable practices. The program also includes a Working Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Contributions raised through the Campaign for College will fund discounted tuition of $500 per credit for full-time workers pursuing a working degree. In addition, flexible class scheduling and services such as access to designated faculty office hours, Career Development, and the Centenary University Wellness Center will provide an extra level of support for students juggling college with full-time work.
Through the Working Degree Program, Centenary will accept up to 70 transfer credits for students who have previous college experience. Students can also create a Prior Learning Assessment to earn credits for other relevant experiences. Most working degrees offer eight-week cycles with flexible learning opportunities including accelerated, asynchronous, and synchronous online classes.
“The Campaign for College is focused on supporting motivated students who think college is not an option due to significant financial or personal challenges,” said Amy D’Olivo, Ph.D. “As a leading student-centered institution, Centenary University provides life-changing educational opportunities through innovative initiatives—like the new working degrees—that are breaking down the barriers preventing adults from attending college.”
For more information about Centenary University’s Working Degree Program, click here or call 908-852-1400.
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.
CONTACT
Kristen Volkland
Erbach Communications Group
(201) 960-3102