At $21,497/yr net price, Centre College graduates earn $66,240/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,240/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,497 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,240/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,240/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.3% |
| 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 | $10,779/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,431/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,317/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,346/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,164/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,193 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $33,809 | $23,480 |
| Sociology and Anthropology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,649 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,771 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
85.3% of students at Centre College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Centre College delivers solid financial returns for a private liberal arts school, with graduates earning $66,240 ten years out despite the school's modest Kentucky location. Your net cost of $21,497 annually creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for most majors.
Economics stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $48,432 in early career earnings with manageable debt. Political Science also performs well above the school average. However, History majors face a concerning mismatch between their $27,000 debt load and starting salaries of just $25,194. Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn only $29,685, making the investment questionable unless you plan graduate school.
The school's 85% graduation rate reduces your risk of leaving with debt but no degree. Centre's location in rural Kentucky limits local internship and job opportunities, so you need to be prepared to relocate for better career prospects.
This college works best if you're targeting business, economics, or pre-professional tracks where Centre's strong alumni network can open doors. The relatively low percentage receiving aid suggests merit scholarships may be competitive. If you're considering liberal arts majors with historically low earnings, you should have a clear post-graduation plan or family financial support.
Skip Centre if you need extensive need-based aid or want technical programs with immediate job placement. The school requires you to leverage its alumni connections and be willing to leave Kentucky for the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centre College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Centre College graduates earn $66,240 annually after 10 years, which is decent but not exceptional for a $21,497 annual net price. The 85% graduation rate is strong, though some programs like History show concerning earning outcomes around $25,000.
What are the best paying majors at Centre College?
Economics leads at $48,432 annually, followed by Political Science at $41,193. Avoid History ($25,194) and Sociology/Anthropology ($29,685) if earning potential matters to you.
How much debt do Centre College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable given the $66,240 average earnings. However, students in lower-paying majors may struggle with loan payments relative to their income.
Does Centre College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The $21,497 net price suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is much higher. Still, weigh this cost carefully against career earning potential, especially for liberal arts majors.