Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Shreveport, Louisiana
54.4% Acceptance Rate
Centenary College of Louisiana — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
54.4%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1171Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$57,929Annual Cost
$50,330Grad Salary
38.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
54.4%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1171
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1210
ACT Middle 50%
21–28
Need-Based Aid
38.9% receive Pell
Centenary College of Louisiana, founded in 1825, is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River, offering strong programs in arts, sciences, and pre-professional studies.
The 65-acre campus in Shreveport features the Magale Library with special collections, the Meadows Museum of Art housing significant works, and the Hurley School of Music. Centenary's distinctive 'Centenary in Paris' program offers all students a first-year study abroad experience in France.
Centenary College of Louisiana Acceptance Rate
Centenary College of Louisiana is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Centenary College of Louisiana is 54.4%. This means that 54 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 54.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Centenary College of Louisiana GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Centenary College of Louisiana is 3.56. Centenary College of Louisiana is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.76-3.96 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.26 and 3.56, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Centenary College of Louisiana GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Centenary College of Louisiana utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.56, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate is approximately 54-56% (IPEDS 2024-25; multiple sources confirm); Early Action deadline December 1, Regular Decision priority February 15; $0 application fee; rolling basis with test-optional option available to students with a 3.5+ core GPA (with required letter of recommendation).
- Centenary in Paris is a required first-year August Term experience included in the flat tuition rate at no additional course cost - Centenary ranks #1 nationally among baccalaureate colleges for percentage of students with an international educational experience (82% of current students).
- A campus visit earns an automatic $1,000/year Campus Visit Scholarship ($4,000 over four years) - not competitive, not merit-based, just requires completing the visit; out-of-state students with a 3.0+ Centenary-recalculated GPA automatically receive a $5,000/year Tuition Equalization Grant on top of other aid.
- Centenary is the oldest private liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River (founded 1825), United Methodist affiliated, and home to the Hurley School of Music, the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse (professional-grade theater), and the Meadows Museum of Art - a cultural infrastructure unusual for a school enrolling approximately 700 undergraduates.
- The Rigor Metric: At Centenary College of Louisiana, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Centenary College of Louisiana
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Centenary College of Louisiana's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Centenary College of Louisiana Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Centenary College of Louisiana Without SAT or ACT?
Centenary College of Louisiana considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Centenary College of Louisiana Average SAT Score: 1171
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Centenary College of Louisiana is 1171 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1171 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1171 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1210 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Centenary College of Louisiana allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Centenary College of Louisiana. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 520 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 520 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1171 | 1040 | 1210 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1040 then you are below most of the admitted students at Centenary College of Louisiana and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1210 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Centenary College of Louisiana with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Centenary College of Louisiana are good but the admission staff at Centenary College of Louisiana tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Centenary College of Louisiana ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Centenary College of Louisiana is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Centenary College of Louisiana slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT English | 26 | 21 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into Centenary College of Louisiana with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Centenary College of Louisiana — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Centenary College of Louisiana use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Centenary College of Louisiana — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Centenary College of Louisiana uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Centenary College of Louisiana
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Centenary College of Louisiana is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
The Paris Program Is Not a Marketing Line - It Is a Graduation Requirement That Shapes Freshman Year
Every incoming Centenary freshman participates in Centenary in Paris, a faculty-led August Term course that takes the entire first-year class to Paris, France before the fall semester begins. This is not a study-abroad option or an optional orientation experience - it is a required, credit-bearing academic course (2-4 hours) that counts toward the graduation curriculum and is built into the flat tuition rate at no additional cost beyond travel. Course topics change by section and year (recent examples have included intercultural competency, American identity abroad, and French-Louisiana cultural connections). For applicants, this means that every student who enrolls at Centenary is starting college in Paris - and your application should demonstrate that this kind of immersive, intellectually curious launch resonates with your goals, not just that you 'like to travel.'
Test-Optional Has a Specific GPA Threshold - Know It Before Choosing to Withhold Scores
Centenary accepts applications without SAT or ACT scores, but only if a student's core high school GPA is at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students who choose the test-optional path must also submit a letter of recommendation in addition to the transcript and essay - making it a slightly higher-documentation process than the standard test-submitting path. Critically, the admissions page notes that test scores may be required for top merit award consideration, meaning students who withhold scores may be excluded from the highest scholarship tiers even if they are admitted. Students with scores at or above the median (ACT 25, SAT 1135) should strongly consider submitting them to maximize merit aid eligibility. Students using the test-optional path should ensure their recommendation letter comes from someone who can speak directly to their intellectual capacity, not just their character.
Apply Before December 1 for Early Action - Then Apply for the Campus Visit Scholarship
Centenary offers Early Action with a December 1 deadline and Regular Decision with a February 15 priority deadline; the application is free and accepted through Common App, the Centenary Application, or the Coalition/Scoir Application. Centenary does not charge an application fee. A unique scholarship lever that most applicants miss: scheduling and completing a campus visit earns a $1,000-per-year Campus Visit Scholarship - $4,000 total over four years. This is not a competitive award tied to academic profile; it is granted automatically upon completing the visit. Out-of-state students with a 3.0 Centenary-recalculated GPA are also automatically eligible for a $5,000-per-year Tuition Equalization Grant. Both awards can stack with other merit aid. Book the campus visit as early as possible and before submitting your application, not after.
Pre-Health and Pre-Law Outcomes Are Genuinely Distinctive - Reference Them in Your Essay If Relevant
Centenary posts its own outcome statistics for pre-health and pre-law students: 94% of Centenary students who apply to medical school are accepted, and 85% of those who apply to law school are accepted. These figures reflect a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, close faculty mentoring, and a rigorous but human-scale environment where advising relationships are built over four years rather than navigated through a bureaucracy. If you are applying with pre-health or pre-law intentions, these outcomes should anchor your essay and interview - not as statistics you read on the website, but as evidence that Centenary's model (small cohort, faculty mentorship, liberal arts preparation) specifically serves the kind of application-ready student you intend to become. Generic pre-med essays citing 'wanting to help people' will not distinguish you in a process this relationship-driven.
Expert Insight:
Centenary College of Louisiana (Shreveport, LA, UNITID 158477) is not the same institution as Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ (formerly Centenary College, a different school in a different state with a different profile and mission). The New Jersey school dropped 'College' from its name to become 'Centenary University' specifically to reduce confusion, but third-party aggregators and counselor databases still sometimes conflate the two. Centenary College of Louisiana is the oldest private liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River (founded 1825), United Methodist affiliated, and known for the Paris program. Centenary University NJ is a separate institution. Confirm UNITID 158477 and centenary.edu before referencing admissions or scholarship data.
Centenary College of Louisiana Profile
Full Name
Centenary College of Louisiana
City
Shreveport
State
Louisiana
ZIP Code
71104
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Centenary College of Louisiana Degree Worth It?
Getting into Centenary College of Louisiana can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Centenary College of Louisiana offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Centenary College of Louisiana is $58,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.75%.
How much does a degree from Centenary College of Louisiana Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Centenary College of Louisiana is $57,929. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Centenary College of Louisiana is much less than this.
38.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 67.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Centenary College of Louisiana and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Centenary College of Louisiana, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Centenary College of Louisiana as your choice in the form.
How much does a Centenary College of Louisiana Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $50,330. An average Centenary College of Louisiana graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Centenary College of Louisiana. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Centenary College of Louisiana. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | Naperville, IL | 1165 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Centenary College of Louisiana. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Centenary College of Louisiana
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Centenary College of Louisiana →
Frequently Asked Questions About Centenary College of Louisiana Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $50,330 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $57,929 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
38.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Centenary College of Louisiana is 54.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.56. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.26, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.26, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.16 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.56, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Centenary College of Louisiana is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1171 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1040–1210.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.