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 value of scholarships and grants is that they are gifts that you do not need to repay.
Please contact us, as opportunities are growing all the time at Centenary University.
Financial Aid Office
400 Jefferson Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-1400 ext. 2350
(908) 813-2632
Federal loans and grants and New Jersey state programs are also available.
These scholarships are reserved for incoming freshmen and are awarded based on academic criteria:
Award | Cumulative high school GPA | Amount |
Founders Scholarship | 4.0 or above | $25,000 |
Faculty Scholarship | 3.50 – 3.99 | $23,000 |
George Whitney Scholarship | 3.00 – 3.49 | $20,000 |
Trustee Scholarship | 2.50 – 2.99 | $18,000 |
Achievement Award | below 2.49 or below | $15,000 |
*Merit is renewed every year at last year’s level.
Additional scholarships for freshmen include:
Arden Davis Melick ’60 and Bernice Spies Davis ’31 Scholarship: Arden Davis Melick '60 and Bernice Spies Davis '31 Scholarship aims to support a student with interests in music, arts, writing, fashion, or similar fields. It is open to both full-time and part-time students who are in the top 20% of their class, demonstrating both merit and financial need. Eligibility extends to any major, with a preference for female students residing in New Jersey. The selection procedure involves the Scholarship Committee that considers recommendations from faculty and Admissions, along with input from the Financial Aid office. The scholarship grants one award per academic year, with a minimum amount of $1,000. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Beal-Sargent Endowed Scholarship: The Beals-Sargent Endowed Scholarship is designed to support a student pursuing a degree in Education, with a specific emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Eligibility for the scholarship is based on both merit and financial need. The selection process is managed by the Scholarship Committee, which incorporates input from the Financial Aid office. Each academic year, one award is granted, with the amount varying based on available interest. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Bertha Florey Sloan Scholarship: The Bertha Florey Sloan Scholarship is intended to support a returning student who has demonstrated high achievement in the field of Business. Eligibility for the scholarship is determined by both academic merit and financial need. The scholarship does not have specific preferences, ensuring a broad applicant base within the Business major. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Business, Media, and Writing Department, with additional input from the Financial Aid office. The number of awards and the amount granted can vary, with each scholarship being applicable for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Carol Burgess Lackland Scholarship: The Carol Burgess Lackland Scholarship is established to support financially needy female students, both new and continuing, across any major. It specifically targets female students, aiming to aid those who demonstrate a significant financial need. The selection process is managed by a Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office and recommendations from the President. The number of awards and the amount of each scholarship can vary, as they are determined by the President and the Financial Aid Director based on the available interest. Each scholarship is granted for the duration of one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Catapano Family Community Service Endowed Scholarship (Spring Leadership Award): The Catapano Family Community Service Endowed Scholarship is designed to support a compassionate and community-minded student who exhibits excellence in volunteerism and leadership, with a strong commitment to making a difference in the community. It is open to students from all majors who have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and are active in leadership roles within community service activities. This is a Leadership Award presented in the spring. The selection process is overseen by Campus Life/ Dean of Students, ensuring that the recipient is well-rounded and deeply engaged in community efforts. One award is available each academic year, with the amount varying based on available interest. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Catherine Guerrera Project ABLE Scholarship: The Catherine Guerrera Project Able Scholarship is specifically designed to support a student enrolled in the Project ABLE program, aiding individuals who demonstrate commitment and dedication within this initiative. It is available to students of all majors, with no specific preferences regarding the recipient's field of study. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee, which considers recommendations from the Disability Service Office (DSO) to ensure that the award aligns with the needs and goals of the Project ABLE program. This scholarship awards one recipient annually with $500 for the duration of one academic year. Before any awards are made, it is essential to confirm that sufficient funds are available.
Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship: The Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship is established to support mature men and women who are on the cusp of achieving their academic and career goals. Eligibility for this scholarship is primarily based on financial need, and it is open to students of any major. The scholarship specifically targets individuals aged 25 and older who are pursuing either bachelor’s or master’s degrees, available to both full-time and part-time students who are rising juniors or rising seniors. The selection process involves a Scholarship Committee, which incorporates input from the Financial Aid office to ensure the awards align with the recipients' financial needs. The number of awards and the amount each recipient receives can vary, depending on available interest. Each scholarship is granted for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Claire Couch Bosee ’54 Tea Dance Scholarship: The Claire Couch Bosee ’54 Tea Dance Scholarship is intended for a student majoring in Liberal Arts or Education who is seeking a career in the education field. Eligibility for the scholarship is based on both need and merit. The selection process will be managed by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. There is one award available, and the amount varies based on the available funds each academic year. This award is granted for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Diane “DD” Sillcocks ’54 Memorial Scholarship: The Diane “DD” Sillcocks ’54 Memorial Scholarship is designed to support a student majoring in the fields of Communication or Performing Arts, placing a strong emphasis on financial need, along with merit. It targets students who not only meet academic standards but also demonstrate a high level of dedication and enthusiasm for their studies. The selection process will be managed by a Scholarship Committee, with input from the Financial Aid office. The scholarship grants at least $1,000 to one recipient and is awarded for one academic year. This financial support aims to facilitate the educational pursuits of students passionately engaged in Communication or Performing Arts. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Doris L. Moore Award (Spring Academic Award): The Doris L. Moore Award is dedicated to supporting rising juniors or rising seniors majoring in Education who exemplify a strong dedication to the field and to their students. Eligibility for this award is based on both financial need and academic merit, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Candidates must also demonstrate significant dedication and enthusiasm towards their educational pursuits. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Education & Humanities Department with additional input from the Financial Aid office. The scholarship provides $1,000 to one recipient and is awarded for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Douglas Wolfe Turrell Memorial Community Service Award: The purpose of the Douglas Wolfe Turrell Scholarship is to support continuing students who excel in community service work. It is open to students of all majors, based on both need and merit. The scholarship aims to support one male and one female student, as per the preferences outlined. This is a Leadership Award presented in the spring. The selection procedure involves Campus Life/Dean of Students with input from the Financial Aid office. Each year, two awards will be granted, with each recipient receiving $1,500. The term of each award spans one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Dr. Stanley Caine ’14 HA & Karen Caine Endowed Scholarship: Dr. Stanley Caine '14 HA & Karen Caine Endowed Scholarship is designed specifically for History majors, emphasizing merit with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. The selection process is managed by the Scholarship Committee, which incorporates input from the Financial Aid office and recommendations from faculty members. The number of awards vary, as well as the award amount(s). Each scholarship is awarded for the duration of one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Elaine Stewart Tyrrell Memorial Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): The Elaine Stewart Tyrrell Memorial Scholarship is intended to support a student who demonstrates a strong desire and intent to pursue a career in Criminal Justice. It is available to students majoring in Criminal Justice, with eligibility based on both need and merit. Preference is given to rising seniors. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Criminal Justice faculty of the Natural, Health, Social and Behavioral (NHSB) Sciences Department. Annually, one award is granted, amounting to $2,500, which covers one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Elizabeth Dickinson Dunlap Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): Elizabeth Dickinson Dunlap Scholarship is designed to assist students with financial need, enabling them to attend Centenary, specifically targeting those majoring in Business. Preference is given to female students within the Business major. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Business, Media, and Writing Department, which includes input from the Financial Aid office. The number of awards and the amount of each award vary based on available income. Each scholarship covers one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation Scholarship: The Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation Scholarship is aimed at supporting both new and continuing traditional undergraduate students at Centenary, open to students from any major. Eligibility is determined by both financial need and academic merit. The scholarships are specifically distributed across class years, with one award each for a freshman, a sophomore, a junior, and a senior. The selection process is handled by the Scholarship Committee, which includes input from the Financial Aid office. Annually, four scholarships are awarded, with amounts varying based on available interest. Each scholarship covers one academic year and is renewable. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Harry Strickhausen Endowed Memorial Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): This scholarship is established to honor the life and contributions of Harry Strickhasuen, a distinguished professor emeritus of English. It is intended to support undergraduate students in all majors who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Education & Humanities Department faculty, with input from the Financial Aid office. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship will be awarded for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
James Anthony Galdieri Endowed Scholarship: James Anthony Galdieri Endowed Scholarship is designed to assist evening students who are facing financial challenges. It is open to students of all majors who are enrolled in evening classes. The selection process will be conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office, with input and recommendations from Academic Affairs and Faculty Department Chairs. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship will be awarded for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
James Gregory Smith Memorial Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): The James Gregory Smith Scholarship is intended to support a rising junior majoring in Business who demonstrates financial need and a strong academic record. The recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA and is awarded in addition to the student's existing financial aid package. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Business, Media, and Writing Department with input from the Financial Aid office. One scholarship will be awarded each year, and the amount will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Jane Barbara Thomas Scholarship in Fashion Merchandising (Spring Academic Award): Jane Barbara Thomas Scholarships in Fashion Merchandising are established to recognize and support exceptional students pursuing degrees in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. They are awarded based on academic merit and are open to all students in these majors. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Fine Arts Department faculty. Two scholarships will be awarded each year, one for Fashion Design and one for Fashion Merchandising. The amount of each scholarship will vary depending on available funds. The scholarships are valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Kathleen Coakley Koch ’67 Scholarship: The Kathleen Coakley Koch ‘67 Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to a high-achieving freshman student who demonstrates exceptional academic promise. To be eligible, students must have a 3.6 GPA or higher and achieve a combined SAT score of 1100 or higher (Critical Reading and Math) or an ACT composite score of 24 or higher.
Lackland Centenary Award: Lackland Centenary Awards are designed to support two students transferring from Raritan Valley Community College to Centenary University. The scholarships are open to students of all majors and are awarded based on the Dean of Admissions' decision. Each scholarship is $2,500 and is valid for one academic year.
Lois Maccubbin William: Lois Maccubbin Scholarship is designed to support female students pursuing a bachelor's degree in Education with the goal of obtaining teacher certification. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. It is awarded based on both financial need and academic merit. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Longfield Family Scholarship: Longfield Family Scholarship is designed to assist students who are facing financial challenges. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office and recommendations from faculty. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Margaret de Neufville Scholarship: Margaret de Neufville Scholarship is designed to support female undergraduate students who are considered non-traditional, meaning they are at least 24 years old. It is awarded based on both financial need and academic merit. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from Financial Aid. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Mary Cleary Memorial Scholarship: Mary Cleary Memorial Scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on a combination of these factors. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
President’s Circle Scholarship: Patricia M. Shaw Endowed Scholarship is designed to support students who are pursuing a career in nursing. It is awarded based on demonstrated financial need and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in any major. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. One scholarship will be awarded each year, and the amount will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Raymond Sloan Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): Raymond Sloan Scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate both financial need and a strong academic focus in the arts, with a particular emphasis on music. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on these criteria. This award is given during the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony and the selection process is conducted by the Fine Arts Department faculty. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Richard Dennis Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): Richard Dennis Scholarship is designed to recognize and support returning students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Centenary University through their involvement in extracurricular activities. It is awarded based on demonstrated financial need and is open to all majors. Preference is given to returning students, but rising first-year students may also be considered. The selection process is conducted by the Academic Affairs Office with input from the Financial Aid office. One scholarship will be awarded each year, with a maximum value of $500. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Robert & Christine Cox Family Scholarship: Robert & Christine Cox Family Scholarship is designed to support undergraduate students majoring in Business who are residents of New Jersey. It is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. One scholarship will be awarded each year, and the amount will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Ruth Ericksen Andrews Scholarship: The Ruth Ericksen Andrews Scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on a combination of these factors. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. One scholarship will be awarded each year, and the amount will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Susan Bao ENACTUS Scholarship (Spring Academic Award): The Susan Bao ENACTUS Scholarship is established to recognize and reward an outstanding student who is actively involved in the ENACTUS student organization. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on the student's contributions to ENACTUS. This is a Spring Academic Award. The selection process is conducted by the Business, Media, and Writing Department Faculty. One scholarship will be awarded each year, and the amount will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Susan Wisner Gould Scholarship: Susan Wisner Gould Scholarship is designed to support students who are majoring in Education and demonstrate both financial need and academic merit. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office and recommendations from the Education Department faculty. One scholarship will be awarded each year, and the amount will vary depending on available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
TGIF Scholarship: The TGIF Scholarship is designed to motivate students who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit, with a particular interest in business, sports management, and entrepreneurship. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on a combination of these factors. Preference is given to out-of-state students. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office and recommendations from the President. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Union County Students Scholarship: Union County Students Scholarship is designed to support students who are residents of Union County, New Jersey. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on the selection process conducted by the Scholarship Committee. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Wallbank-Rowland Endowment Scholarship: The Wallbank-Rowland Endowment Scholarship is designed to assist students who are facing financial challenges. It is open to students of all majors and is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Wolf Gstattenbauer Scholarship for Equine Students: The Wolf Gstattenbauer Scholarship for Equine Students is designed to support students who are majoring in Equine Studies and demonstrating academic excellence. To be eligible, students must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 3.2. The selection process is conducted by the Scholarship Committee with input from the Financial Aid office. The number and amount of awards will vary depending on the level of interest and available funds. The scholarship is valid for one academic year. Awarding of the scholarship each year is contingent upon the confirmation of sufficient funds.
Transfer students qualify for a number of scholarships and grants:
Award | Cumulative college GPA | Annual amount | Semester amount |
Faculty Scholarship | 3.90 or above | $14,000 | $7,000 |
Whitney Scholarship | 3.50 – 3.89 | $13,000 | $6,500 |
Trustee Scholarship | 3.00 – 3.49 | $11,500 | $5,750 |
Achievement Award | 2.50 – 2.99 | $10,000 | $5,000 |
*Merit is renewed every year at last year’s level
We CU at Centenary University—and qualifying for scholarships and grants are a way to make your education more affordable. In fact, 95% of incoming freshmen receive grants and/or scholarships every year. The value of scholarships and grants is that they are gifts that you do not need to repay.
We invite you to fill in this form in addition to applying for federal and state programs. We award over $18 million in scholarships and grants every year—and you might qualify. Applications are accepted between October 15th to April 1st.