At $25,159/yr net price, Centenary College of Louisiana graduates earn $50,330/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,330/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,159 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,330/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,330/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,875/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,245/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,985/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,486/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,530/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, Other. | Master | $45,305 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,459 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
59.3% of students at Centenary College of Louisiana graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Centenary College of Louisiana delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $50,330 against a net price of $25,159 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what stronger regional alternatives offer.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across Centenary's most popular programs. Education graduates earn $45,305, which barely covers loan payments in Louisiana's teacher salary environment. Business and communication majors fare worse, with starting salaries in the low $30,000s that create genuine financial hardship when paired with the school's costs.
Your biggest risk here is the 59% graduation rate combined with a 75% retention rate, indicating students frequently transfer out or drop out entirely. This creates substantial sunk costs for families who pay private tuition without degree completion. The $27,000 median debt load becomes particularly problematic when nearly one in five students never graduates.
Centenary works financially only for students receiving substantial merit aid or those from wealthy families treating college as a lifestyle choice rather than career investment. The school's small size in Shreveport limits networking opportunities that might otherwise justify the premium pricing.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong career outcomes or depend on financial aid. Louisiana residents can access LSU or other state schools at significantly lower costs with better employment prospects. Out-of-state students have numerous private colleges offering similar experiences with stronger alumni networks and career placement records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centenary College of Louisiana worth the cost?
With graduates earning $50,330 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $27,000, Centenary College offers reasonable value for Louisiana. The education program produces the highest earnings at $45,305, while other majors show weaker returns on investment.
What are the best paying majors at Centenary College of Louisiana?
Education majors earn the most at $45,305 annually, making it the strongest financial choice. Communication and media studies graduates earn $33,459, while business majors earn $32,925, both significantly below the school average.
How much debt do Centenary College of Louisiana students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable given the $50,330 average earnings ten years post-graduation. Students can expect to pay roughly 54% of their annual salary toward total educational debt.
Does Centenary College of Louisiana have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 59.30%, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree. This below-average completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.