Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College of Louisiana: Academics, Admissions & Tuition

Learn what degree programs Centenary College of Louisiana offers. Research its academics, and read about its admission and financial aid to make an informed education decision.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Established in 1825 in Jackson, Louisiana, Centenary College of Louisiana is a 4-year, private institution that awards baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Centenary College is the 43rd oldest institution in the United States and is rooted in the liberal arts tradition it was founded on to this day. The school began admitting women in 1903 and moved to its current location in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1908. Maintaining an affiliation with the United Methodist Church, Centenary College is 1 of 16 that make up the Associated Colleges of the South.

Academics

Centenary College is comprised of 19 departments that offer 22 undergraduate majors and 2 graduate programs. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in areas of study ranging from theater to neuroscience. Popular majors include biology, accounting, kinesiology and exercise science, psychology and drama. Graduate students can pursue a Master of Business Administration or Master of Arts in Teaching. Additionally, Centenary College offers a number of pre-professional programs geared towards preparing students for graduate programs in specific fields, such as dentistry and law.

Centenary College requires all students take part in its Trek Experience program, a unique experiential learning program that integrates the academic curriculum with community involvement, intercultural experiences and social awareness. The average class size at Centenary College is 16, and the student-to-ratio is 11 to 1. Of the 62 full-time faculty members, 94% hold the highest degree in their field of study.

Admissions

First-year students seeking admission to Centenary College must submit a completed application plus the $30 fee, official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, a letter of recommendation and an essay or graded writing sample. The application can be completed online or printed and mailed to the admissions office. Centenary College has 2 admissions deadlines; early action applications must be received by December 1 and all other applicants must apply by February 15. The school accepts Advanced Placement credits if students score at least a 3 on the departmental exam. Specific admissions requirements and deadlines for the graduate programs vary according to the requirements of their respective departments.

Of the 1,094 applicants in 2011, 63% were admitted, and 34% of those admitted enrolled. Centenary College's total 2011 enrollment was 891, of which 805 were undergraduates and 86 were graduate students. The school reported a slightly higher enrollment of female students than male (56% v. 44%) with 98% of the combined population enrolled full-time.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for undergraduate students enrolled full-time (12-18 hours) is $29,500 per year as of the 2012-2013 year. The cost for students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours is $880 per credit. Tuition for students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching graduate program is $650 per course plus a $165 student teaching or internship fee. The cost for the Master of Business Administration program is $1,125 per course.

All students must pay a 1-time $250 enrollment fee at the start of their entering semester. Students beginning in the fall must pay an additional 1-time $250 new student fee; the fee for students entering in the spring is $65. Those opting to live on campus will pay between $4,200 and $8,176 per year, depending on the room. Meal plan options range from $1,160 to $4,520 for the year.

Centenary College has 3 options for paying for school: full payment at the beginning of each semester, a 10-month payment plan or a semester installment plan. The payment and installment plans both require a $50 non-refundable fee. Centenary College also offers several forms of financial aid to help with the cost of attendance, including scholarships, grants, loans and federal work-study. In 2011, nearly all first-year students enrolled full-time were awarded some form of financial aid.

CENTENARY COLLEGE OF LOUISIANA QUICK FACTS
School Type	4-year, private not-for-profit*
Degrees Offered	Bachelor's and master's*
Religious Affiliation	United Methodist Church*
Academic Calendar	Semester***
School Setting	Midsize city*
Student Body	805 undergraduates and 86 graduate students in 2011*
Student Housing	Yes*
ACADEMICS
Schools and Programs	19 departments; 22 undergraduate majors and 2 graduate programs**
Student-Faculty Ratio	11 to 1**
Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients)	In 2010-2011: Bachelor's: Biology/biological sciences (15) Master's: Business administration and management (8)*
Undergraduate Graduation Rates	For students who began in Fall 2003: 51% in 4 years, 62% in 6 years, 62% in 8 years*
ADMISSIONS
Admission Rate	63% in 2011*
Entering Class Size	239 in Fall 2012***
First-Year Retention Rates	68% for full-time students (2010-2011)*
Middle 50% SAT and ACT Scores of Admitted Students	1080-1280 (composite SAT) and 21-28 (composite ACT) as of 2012**
Application Due Date	Early action deadline is December 1; regular decision deadline is February 15**
Decision Notification Date	Decision notifications sent out within 2 weeks of application**
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition (2012-2013)	$29,500 per year for full-time undergraduates (excludes fees, room and board)**
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Students Receiving it)	In 2010-2011: Grant or scholarship aid (94%), federal student loans (54%)*
Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid	99% of first-year students enrolled full-time in 2010-2011*

Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **Centenary College of Louisiana, ***IPEDS Data Center.

School Contact Information

Address: Office of Admissions, Centenary College of Louisiana, 2911 Centenary Boulevard, Shreveport, LA 71104
Phone: (318) 869-5131
Website: www.centenary.edu