Paying for Centenary: Overview of costs, aid, and resources

Because it is so important to have a solid understanding of what your education will cost, we make tuition, fees, and your eligibility for credits as transparent as possible. If you have questions about paying for Centenary, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Centenary students can apply for a range of scholarships, from the four years, all expenses paid Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship to other grants and gifts for undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program is just one of many federal aid programs that make college affordable. Work/study programs and special veterans programs may help you in paying for college.

The state of New Jersey offers additional support to bring college within reach for more people. Explore which New Jersey programs may be a fit for you.

You don’t have to come up with all the money at once when paying for college. Our team will work with you to set up a schedule of smaller payments utilizing a payment plan, to ease the pressure on your budget.

Some employers will fund some or all of the costs of higher education as part of their benefits package. By investing in your education, they hope you will stay with the company and take on roles with higher levels of responsibility and strategic value. We can help you get the most value out of your employer tuition reimbursement benefit.

Get on-the-job experience and earn money that can help defray your expenses with Federal Work Study or our own campus work-study program.

In addition to applying for financial assistance, students have access to a range of additional financial aid options that can help reduce college costs.

• Transfer Credits: If you have already completed college coursework, you may be closer to your degree than you think.
• PLA and CLEP: Adult undergraduate students may be able to earn credit for life experience through our Prior Learning Assessment program or the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

By registering for class(es), I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the following terms and conditions.  I understand that I am agreeing to a legally binding contract to pay all tuition and fees assessed to my student account and all additional costs and expenses related to my enrollment at Centenary University (“Centenary”). These costs and expenses include, but are not limited to, housing, meal plans, flex dollars, health insurance and all other departmental or school costs processed through my student account.

Agreement to Pay and Due Dates: I understand that when I register for classes at Centenary University and receive services, I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services. I further understand and agree that my enrollment and acceptance of these terms constitutes a promissory note agreement (i.e., a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(8)) in which Centenary University is providing me educational services, deferring some or all of my payment obligation for those services, and I promise to pay for all assessed tuition, fees and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.)

I promise to pay all tuition, fees, costs, credit, goods, services and expenses by the published due date specified in the most recent Centenary publication setting a due date or by a due date agreed to between myself and Centenary in a separate written agreement specifically applicable to a cost, expense, fee or other sum due. If there is no due date as agreed as set forth above or provided in this agreement, then my obligation shall fall due immediately after I have incurred the obligation.

Effect of Withdrawal/Dropping Classes on My Financial Responsibility: I understand and agree that if I, or a university-designee drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register, I will be responsible for paying all or a portion of my tuition and fees in accordance with Centenary’s in effect at the time I withdraw from or drop courses. I have read the terms and conditions of Centenary’s tuition refund schedule and understand those terms are incorporated herein by reference. I acknowledge and understand that my absence from or failure to attend class(es) or my non-receipt of a bill from Centenary does not defer the due dates or relieve me of my financial responsibilities to Centenary.

Billing Errors: Administrative, clerical or technical billing errors do not absolve the student of the financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of registration at the Centenary.

Federal & Financial Aid:

1. All aid is listed as “Anticipated” and is subject to change until it is disbursed to my account.
2. Financial Aid awards are contingent upon my continued enrollment and attendance in each class upon which my financial aid eligibility was calculated. I understand that dropping any class before completion may impact my financial aid eligibility.  Some or all of my financial aid awarded may be decreased or revoked.
3. I understand that any federal or state financial aid (including Title IV and/or Title VII funds) that I receive, except for Federal Work Study wages, will first be applied to any outstanding balance on my account for tuition, fees, room and board. Title IV financial aid includes aid from the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Direct Loans, PLUS Loans. I authorize Centenary University to apply my Title IV and/or Title VII financial aid to other charges assessed to my student account such as student health insurance, parking permits and fines, bookstore charges, service fees and fines, and any other educationally related charges.

Health Insurance:  I understand that Centenary automatically registers me for the University health insurance plan.  I understand that if I do not want the University health insurance, I must provide proof of insurance to the Wellness Center via the Student Health Portal by the due dates specified in order to opt out of the program.  I also understand that if I do not provide the documentation, I will be responsible for the fee.

Method of Communication: I understand and agree to Centenary using e-mail as one of its official methods of communication.   I am responsible for promptly reading the e­mails I receive from Centenary or those acting on its behalf.

Method of Billing: I understand that Centenary uses electronic billing (e-bill) as its official billing method, and therefore I am responsible for viewing and paying my student account e-bill by the scheduled due date. I further understand that a failure to review my e- bill does not constitute a valid reason for not paying my bill on time. E-bill information is available to me on Self Service.

Consent to Methods of Contact: I authorize Centenary, its agents and contractors to contact me at my current and any future cellular phone number(s), email address(es) or wireless device(s) regarding a) student account billing and payments, b) my delinquent student account(s)/loan(s), and/or c) any other debt I owe to Centenary and/or d) to receive general information from Centenary. I authorize Centenary and its agents and contractors to use automated telephone dialing equipment, artificial or pre-recorded voice or text messages, and personal calls and emails, in their efforts to contact you.

Electronic Delivery of IRS Form 1098-T: Students are to provide a Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to Centenary upon request as required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations for Form 1098-T reporting purposes.  Failure to provide the SSN or ITIN could result in the student being responsible for payment of any and all IRS fines assessed as a result of the missing SSN/ITIN.

I understand that Centenary University will deliver my IRS Form 1098-T electronically every year I have reportable transactions, and that I may view and print IRS Form 1098-T by using Self Service, then choosing the Tax Information tab.  I further understand that by consenting to receive this information electronically, a paper copy of my Form 1098-T will not be mailed.

Delinquent Accounts/Collections: I agree that if I fail to pay any sums payable to Centenary by the scheduled due date, Centenary may place a “Hold” on my account and may deny, withhold or refuse services and/or credit including future registration, loans, housing, transcripts, diplomas and other certifications until all sums due and payable to Centenary have been paid. I agree that failure to fully pay Centenary by the scheduled due date for any payment will result in all sums becoming immediately due and payable.

Furthermore, I understand and agree that, if I leave Centenary University with an unpaid balance, that I authorize and consent to the University and its agents, attorneys, and contractors to collect any sums due.

I Agree to Pay the Following Fees: These fees are immediately due and payable and must be paid to restore my student account to good standing and terminate any Hold.

1. Late Payment Fees: I understand that late payment fees will be assessed to my account for missed payment deadlines and non-payment of balances.  Please see the Payment Due Dates page for information.
2. Returned Payment and Stop Payment Charge: If a payment to my student account is returned, dishonored or otherwise rejected by a financial institution for any reason (regardless of the form/method of payment), I agree to immediately pay the obligation I sought to pay by the returned, dishonored or rejected payment, plus any financial institution charges Centenary incurs due to the dishonored or otherwise rejected payment, plus a returned payment fee per occurrence. Please see the Tuition and Billing page for information.
3. Collection Agency Fees:  I understand and accept that if I fail to pay my account bill or any monies due and owing Centenary University by the scheduled due date, and fail to make acceptable payment arrangements to bring my account current, Centenary University may refer my delinquent account to a collection agency.  I further understand that if Centenary University refers my account balance to a third party for collection, a collection fee will be assessed and will be due in full at the time of the referral to the third party.  The collection fee will be calculated at the maximum amount permitted by applicable law, but not to exceed 33.3% of the amount outstanding.  For purposes of this provision, the third party may be a debt collection company or an attorney.  If a lawsuit is filed to recover an outstanding balance, I shall also be responsible for any costs associated with the lawsuit such as court costs or other applicable costs.

I understand that if my account is sent to a collection agency that grades, transcripts, and my diploma will not be released until my balance is paid in full and Centenary has received the funds.

Reporting Past Due Accounts to Credit Reporting Bureaus: I understand that Centenary may report my failure to pay Centenary as agreed to credit reporting bureaus.

Student Age: I understand and agree that if I am younger than the applicable age of majority when executing this agreement that the educational services, goods and credit provided by Centenary are a necessity, and that I am contractually obligated to pay Centenary pursuant to the “doctrine of necessaries.”

Entire Agreement; No Changes. This agreement supersedes all prior understandings, representations, negotiations and correspondence between myself and Centenary. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey. I agree that the laws of the State of New Jersey will be applied in interpreting and enforcing this Agreement no matter where a proceeding is brought to enforce or construe it. This agreement shall be treated as if it were made in the State of New Jersey wherever I may be when I sign it.

Modifications by Subsequent Centenary Publications: The terms of this agreement may be modified by terms set forth in a subsequently published Centenary publication if the publication is communicated to me as authorized in this agreement and I thereafter register for any course(s) at Centenary. Any such modification shall not increase the principal amount then due from me or provide for acceleration of the payment due date of any of my obligations existing on the date I accept the modification. Any modification is specifically limited to those policies and/or terms addressed in the modification.

Acknowledgment of Opportunity to Consult with Advisors: I acknowledge that I have been given a full and fair opportunity to consult with any persons, advisors, and/or legal counsel of my choice, internal or external to the University, concerning the terms and meaning of this Agreement.

The following is a summary of Centenary University’s refund policies with regards to tuition, room & board, and fees.

The refund policy is in effect beginning the first day of each semester. 

This policy is used to determine the adjusted costs the student is obligated to pay the University after the percentage to be refunded has been applied.  Any schedule changes (course drops, withdrawals, or leave of absence) after the first day of the semester, will receive refunds according to the University’s refund schedule.  The date used to calculate the refund percentage will be one of the following:

1. The date the student submits an Add/Drop form to the Registrar’s Office.

2. The date the student submits an Official Withdrawal or Leave of Absence form to the Academic Success and Advising Center.

3. The date the University is notified that the student has ceased participating in an academic related activity for all courses.

4.  **Non-attendance does not constitute as official notice to Centenary of withdrawal.**  Students who do not notify Centenary, do not attend, or begin and then stop attending will be charged based on when the University was notified that the student ceased participating.

**The health insurance fee, if assessed to your account, is nonrefundable if you withdraw from the University after the add/drop period.

Please Note: This policy is not to be confused with Federal and State regulations regarding the return of federal and state aid funds when a student receiving federal and state financial aid withdraws or takes a leave of absence. Federal and State aid includes all aid identified on a student’s financial aid award as a federal or state; scholarship, grants and/or loans.

A separate calculation, to determine the aid which must be returned if any, is done according to federal and state regulations. The date used in determining the federal refund policy will be the last date of attendance,  in the applicable term’s courses. However the percentage of funds that must be returned, as prescribed by the regulations, may not match the percentage used to determine costs. This may then create a balance owed by the student to the University, above any prior unpaid balance or a balance due on federal grants, which must be repaid directly to the federal government.

*For example, if you withdraw from all of your classes in a traditional undergraduate program 4 weeks after the semester started, you will receive no refund of your tuition according to the Institutional Refund Policy. In addition, you will have completed 4 of 15 weeks of the semester which is about 26%.  As a result, you will be eligible to retain about 26% of your federal aid and the remaining 74% of your federal aid may be returned to the federal government.

For detailed information see our Student Withdrawal and Return of Federal Title IV Funds Policy page.

* Due to new regulations regarding the return of Federal and State funds, any student receiving Federal/State grants or loans should contact the Financial Aid Office (ext. 2350) before withdrawing or taking a leave of absence.

Refund policy – All students, all programs (Traditional & Accelerated), all semesters

Refunds of the Semester Charges paid will be made in accordance with the following schedule:

Exceptions to Refund Policy

The following pertains to all University refund policies due to a withdrawal, leave of absence or a dropped course. Appeals to the University policy, for a proration of tuition and fees, may be considered as circumstances warrant.

The appeal must be submitted in writing, signed and dated, to the Student Accounts Office. The appeal must contain your personal statement explaining the extenuating circumstances surrounding your decision to withdraw, take a leave of absence or drop a course after the start of the semester. With the appeal, you must submit third party documentation supporting your statement. (Examples of supporting documentation: Doctor’s note, death certificate or obituary, police accident report, etc.) Without supporting documentation, your appeal will be denied.

The appeal process can take up to 30 days to process. If an appeal is granted, tuition and fees will be prorated. The prorated amount is based on the number of weeks from the beginning of the term to the date the student officially notified the University of the withdrawal or leave of absence. All Centenary grants and scholarships will be adjusted accordingly to match the prorated tuition and fees.

All appeal decisions are final.

Send appeal to:

Centenary University
Student Accounts Office
400 Jefferson Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Fax: (908) 850-8313
[email protected]

Time Limit

The appeal must be received by the University within one year from the last date of the semester for which you are appealing. Requests submitted after one year will not be considered and will be returned to the student.

Financial Aid

An approved appeal may affect your financial aid. Any institutional awards will be prorated using the same prorated calculation used for tuition and fees. Any federal and/or state aid will be adjusted as described in the “Financial Aid Student Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Funds Policy”.

Extenuating Circumstances:

Examples of Appropriate Circumstances for an appeal:

Please note that appropriate documentation such as, but not limited to: medical paperwork, death certificates, active duty letter, etc. will need to be supplied with the letter of appeal.

• The death of an immediate family member or close relative: spouse, child, parent, step-parent, sibling
• The onset of a medical or mental health condition that prohibits your continued attendance
• An accident or injury that prohibits your continued attendance
• A substantive administrative error made by the University
• Call to active military duty or training
• Need to relocate or leave the country to care for an immediate family member (Spouse, child, parent, step-parent, sibling)

Examples of Unacceptable Circumstances for an appeal:

• Personal errors in judgement or irresponsibility involving availability of finances (including but limited to non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility for financial aid or scholarships), academic ability, child care, time management.
• Lack of knowledge and/or misinterpretation of University policies and procedures as published in the Centenary University Academic Catalog, the student handbook, or the Centenary Website.
• Dissatisfaction with course content, academic progress, course requirements prior to registration and attendance, and/or personal conflicts with faculty member of Academic issues must be addressed with the appropriate academic chairperson or Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Voluntary/involuntary acceptance of employment or other activity impacting ability to attend class (i.e. lack of child care; work schedule/hours changes; business trip; vacation)
• Voluntary enlistment in the armed forces
• A pre-existing medical or mental health condition that began prior to the semester
• Pregnancy (unless a doctor certifies that you are unable to continue to attend school because of complications in your pregnancy occurring after the start of the semester)
• Changing your mind about attending Centenary, your major/program or the courses you registered after the start of the semester
• Incarceration in a civilian or military facility
• Academic Dismissal or Expulsion from the University

Outstanding/delinquent balances

If term balances are not paid, students will not be able to register for future terms, receive grades or transcripts until the balance is paid in full. If an account remains delinquent, the account will be placed with a 3rd party collection agency. The student will be responsible for all past due charges as well as collection agency contingency fees (up to a maximum of 50% of the delinquent account balance), late payment penalties, reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs and the account will be reported to the credit bureau.