A private college education that's more affordable than you think.
Before you look at the sticker price, look at your real number. Most Centenary students receive $20,000–$30,000 in automatic merit scholarships — and that's before FAFSA, TOPS, or need-based grants.
Estimates shown; actual aid varies. Louisiana TOPS and need-based grants may reduce cost further. Use the Net Price Calculator →
One flat rate. More included than you'd expect.
Centenary's $44,350 tuition is all-in — mandatory fees are bundled, not added on. And it covers experiences that cost extra everywhere else.
Centenary in Paris
Every freshman begins the year with an immersive trip to Paris, France — international experience that typically costs thousands extra at peer institutions.
Included in TuitionAugust & May Immersion Terms
One immersion course per year — domestic or international — at no extra charge. Students can earn up to 40 credit hours per year and still graduate in four years.
Included in TuitionAll Mandatory Fees Bundled
Unlike most colleges, Centenary combines tuition and mandatory fees into one transparent number. No surprise technology fees, activity fees, or facility surcharges.
No Hidden FeesPassport Points Program
Students earn Passport Points through involvement and coursework, redeemable toward international travel expenses — making global study even more accessible.
IncludedUndergraduate Research Access
Faculty-mentored research, LSU Health Sciences Center summer programs, and the Medical Scholars Program — no extra cost for the experiences that build your résumé.
No Add-On CostPrepaid Book Program
New incoming freshmen are enrolled in the Prepaid Book Program ($300/semester) — all required textbooks supplied, so there are no surprise course-material bills in week one.
Freshman RequirementYou're automatically considered. No extra form.
When you submit your admission application, Centenary automatically reviews you for merit scholarships. No separate application. No additional essay. These awards renew annually.
- 3.8 GPA (core courses, 4.0 scale)
- 1360 SAT or higher
- 30 ACT or higher
- Invited to Scholars Weekend if admitted by Dec 1
- Compete for additional scholarships at Scholars Weekend
- 3.4 GPA (core courses, 4.0 scale)
- 1230 SAT or higher
- 26 ACT or higher
- Can be combined with other awards
- Stack with TOPS, FAFSA grants, and more
- 3.0 GPA (core courses, 4.0 scale)
- 1100 SAT or higher
- 22 ACT or higher
- Can be combined with other awards
- Stack with TOPS, need-based aid, and more
More money, fewer forms.
Stack these awards on top of your merit scholarship to bring your net cost even lower. Most require nothing beyond applying for admission and filing the FAFSA.
| Campus Visit Scholarship Schedule an official visit |
$1,000/yr |
| FAFSA Incentive Grant File the FAFSA — that's it |
$1,000/yr |
| TOPS — Louisiana Residents State scholarship, applied to Centenary |
$5,718–$8,500/yr |
| TEG — Out-of-State Students 3.0 GPA, not a Louisiana resident |
$5,000/yr |
| Legacy Award Direct descendant of a Centenary alum |
$2,000/yr |
| Centenary Grants Need-based; requires FAFSA |
Varies |
| Artistic Merit Awards Art, music, theatre — separate audition |
Varies |
| Methodist / CLC / Veteran Awards See eligibility requirements |
Varies |
Net Price Calculator
Get a personalized estimate of your net cost — including your expected merit scholarship, aid eligibility, and out-of-pocket expense — in about five minutes.
Calculate My Cost →Centenary Promise & Affordability Pledge
Centenary has formal commitments to affordability and transparency. Learn how the Promise and Affordability Pledge protect your aid package year over year.
Centenary Promise →Payment Plans
Centenary's Business Office offers flexible payment plan options to spread your remaining balance across the semester — no need to pay everything upfront.
Explore Payment Plans →Complete transparency. No surprises.
Here's every number, in full — because families deserve the whole picture. Remember: the figures below are before scholarships and aid are applied. Most students pay significantly less.
Tuition & Direct Costs
Meal Plans (per year)
Cent Bucks are flexible credits usable at Randle's dining in the Student Union.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
COA includes indirect costs (transportation, personal expenses). It sets the ceiling for total financial aid — not what you'll actually pay.
Residence Halls (per year)
Local students in the 710-711 zip code range may qualify for an automatic Room Discount.
Other Fees
Graduate Programs
Centenary alumni may qualify for tuition discounts on graduate programs. Contact the graduate program office for details.
The questions families ask most.
Straight answers about cost, scholarships, and what you'll actually pay.
What will I actually pay — not the sticker price?
+It depends on your GPA, test scores, residency, and financial need. A Louisiana student with a 3.8 GPA and 30 ACT who visits campus and files the FAFSA could receive: President's Scholarship ($30,000) + TOPS ($8,500) + Visit Award ($1,000) + FAFSA Grant ($1,000) = $40,500 in annual aid — reducing $44,350 tuition to approximately $3,850/year before need-based grants. Use the Net Price Calculator for your number.
Do I have to apply separately for merit scholarships?
+No. When you submit your free admission application, Centenary automatically reviews your GPA and test scores and assigns your merit scholarship. The President's, Dean's, and Trustee's Scholarships require no separate form — you're considered the moment you apply.
Does Centenary accept TOPS? Can I stack it with other scholarships?
+Yes and yes. Louisiana's TOPS scholarship ($5,718–$8,500/year depending on level) can be applied directly to Centenary tuition and stacked on top of institutional merit scholarships. Most institutional scholarships and grants can be combined with other sources of aid.
Is the Paris trip really included in tuition?
+Yes. The Centenary in Paris freshman experience is included in the flat tuition rate — no separate program fee. Additionally, one August or May immersion course per year is included at no extra charge. Students who take both an August AND a May immersion in the same academic year will be charged additional tuition for the second course.
What is the Scholars Weekend and how do I get invited?
+Students who meet the President's Scholarship criteria (3.8 GPA / 30 ACT / 1360 SAT) and are accepted to Centenary before December 1 are invited to Scholars Weekend in January. At Scholars Weekend, students compete for additional merit awards beyond the $30,000 base — including the possibility of full-tuition scholarships. Applying early is the key.
I'm not from Louisiana. Are there awards for out-of-state students?
+Yes. The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) awards $5,000/year to out-of-state students who meet the minimum 3.0 Centenary GPA requirement. This is stackable with your merit scholarship. Combined with the Visit Award and FAFSA Grant, out-of-state students can add up to $7,000/year in supplemental aid on top of their merit scholarship.
See your real number.
Apply and find out.
The application is free. The moment you submit, you're automatically considered for $20,000–$30,000+ in merit scholarships. File the FAFSA and your net cost drops further. There's no reason to wait.
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