Centenary University named Top Performer in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University has been recognized as a Top Performer in Social Mobility in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges listing, released Tuesday.
The designation places Centenary among the nation’s best educational institutions for advancing the careers and lives of its graduates, particularly first-generation students and those facing economic challenges.
In this year’s rankings, Centenary placed 11th among Top Performers for Social Mobility among regional universities in the Northeast. The university also earned a 98th place ranking in the Regional Universities North category.
“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 U.S. News & World Report, the social mobility ranking measures how well schools graduate large proportions of economically and educationally disadvantaged recipients of federal Pell Grants. The majority of Pell Grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family income is under $50,000 annually. The ranking tracks colleges’ success at graduating Pell Grant recipients and achieving equitable outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds.
Centenary has emphasized its commitment to advancing the lives of first-generation students and those facing financial and family challenges. The university was selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member for its support of first-generation college students and has instituted an honor society to recognize their accomplishments.
In addition to financial aid packages—100 percent of Centenary students receive tuition assistance—the university runs a robust Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) that provides academic, social, and financial support to eligible students. The program has helped produce numerous student leaders and successful alumni.
