Centenary College of Louisiana Rankings

Centenary College of Louisiana, founded in 1825, is one of the oldest private liberal arts colleges in the United States and holds a significant place in higher education history as the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. Located in Shreveport, Louisiana, Centenary’s long-standing commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership among its students has shaped it into a distinguished institution. Despite being relatively small compared to many other institutions, Centenary College has maintained a reputation for academic rigor, fostering a close-knit community, and offering students exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Centenary College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), ensuring that the college meets the high standards required for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. The college offers a wide range of programs in arts and sciences, with special accreditation for specific departments, such as the music program, which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The undergraduate chemistry program at Centenary is also approved by the American Chemical Society, further validating the institution’s dedication to providing quality education in the sciences. This commitment to academic excellence ensures that students at Centenary are receiving a well-rounded and rigorous education across various disciplines.

The college’s dedication to academic and personal growth is reflected not only in its strong academic programs but also in the recognition it has received from various national rankings and organizations. According to U.S. News & World Report, Centenary College was ranked 171st among National Liberal Arts Colleges in 2012. This ranking places Centenary in a competitive position within the broader landscape of liberal arts colleges. However, Centenary’s recognition extends beyond conventional rankings, with many organizations highlighting the institution's affordability, educational value, and unique opportunities for students. In 2009, Forbes recognized Centenary College as one of America’s Best Colleges, moving up in the overall rankings to 90th out of 600 institutions across the country. The college was also ranked 38th in the “Best College Buys” category and 80th in the “Best Private Colleges” category, further solidifying its reputation as an institution that offers an excellent education at a competitive price.

Centenary College’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and accessible education is further reflected in its inclusion in the Princeton Review’s 2010 edition of “The Best 371 Colleges,” where it was recognized as one of the top institutions for undergraduate education in the Southeastern U.S. Additionally, Centenary’s academic strength and affordability earned it recognition as one of the “Great Schools, Great Prices” by U.S. News & World Report in 2007, ranking it 8th among 15 institutions in the South. This ranking highlights Centenary’s ability to provide an exceptional education while remaining accessible to students from a variety of financial backgrounds.

Centenary College has also garnered national attention for its ability to provide significant study abroad opportunities. The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked the college among the top 10 institutions for having a high proportion of undergraduates studying abroad, with Centenary placed 3rd in 2003. This reflects the institution's commitment to providing students with a global perspective and the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural learning experiences. These global opportunities are in keeping with the college's mission to provide an education that prepares students not only for local careers but also for global citizenship.

The college's efforts to create an environment that supports students' personal and academic growth extend beyond the classroom. Centenary College offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, from academic clubs and organizations to cultural and recreational opportunities, providing students with a holistic college experience. These opportunities allow students to develop leadership skills, explore their interests, and form lasting friendships, all while contributing to the community. The college also offers NCAA Division III sports, with student-athletes participating in a variety of athletic programs that emphasize both competition and sportsmanship.

In terms of its campus culture, Centenary College is known for being a place where close relationships between students and faculty are encouraged. The college maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and mentorship. This intimate learning environment fosters collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and personal connections that can have a lasting impact on students' educational journeys. Professors are often more accessible, and students can engage in meaningful discussions, whether in small class settings or through research collaborations. This personalized attention is one of the hallmarks of a Centenary education, and it contributes significantly to the overall student experience.

Another feature that sets Centenary College apart is its focus on providing value to its students. In 2008, Newsweek named Centenary College one of the "Hottest Liberal-Arts Schools You Never Heard Of," highlighting its blend of academic rigor, affordability, and unique appeal. This recognition underscores the fact that Centenary College offers much more than what might be expected from a school of its size. It is an institution that consistently provides an exceptional undergraduate education, along with opportunities for students to engage in meaningful extracurricular and global learning experiences.

The college's approach to value is also reflected in its recognition in Money Magazine's list of the 150 Best College Values. Centenary’s ability to provide a quality liberal arts education at an affordable cost is an attractive feature for prospective students. The college's strong commitment to providing access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds allows it to compete effectively with larger, more expensive institutions. It consistently ranks highly for its combination of strong academic programs and affordable tuition, ensuring that students receive a solid return on investment in their education.

Centenary College of Louisiana stands as a beacon of academic excellence, offering students a liberal arts education that is rigorous, well-rounded, and internationally engaged. The college’s long history, recognition in national rankings, and strong focus on providing a quality and affordable education make it one of the standout institutions in the region. Its small size and intimate campus environment create a community where students are valued, their voices are heard, and their academic and personal growth is nurtured. For those seeking a college that combines academic rigor, global exposure, and a strong sense of community, Centenary College is a premier choice. Its ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that it will continue to be a leading institution of higher learning for many years to come.