Centenary College of Louisiana is a selective, residential, national liberal arts college. Founded in 1825 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River.
Centenary College of Louisiana is a selective liberal arts college offering undergraduate programs and a limited number of graduate programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, strengthening the foundation for students' personal lives and career goals. Students and faculty work together to build a community focused on ethical and intellectual development, respect and concern for human and spiritual values, and the joy of creativity and discovery.
Consistent with its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, the College encourages lifelong dedication to learning and serving others. It strives to overcome ignorance and intolerance to examine ideas critically to provide an understanding of the forces that have influenced the past, drive the present, and shape the future and to cultivate integrity, intellectual and moral courage, responsibility, fairness, and compassion.
In pursuit of these ideals, the College challenges its students throughout their education to write and speak clearly to read, listen, and think critically to comprehend, interpret, and synthesize ideas to analyze information qualitatively and quantitatively to appreciate the diversity of human cultures to respect the value of the artistic expression and to recognize the importance of a healthy mind and body and the interdependence of people and the environment. Academic and co-curricular programs and the example of those who teach and work at Centenary support students in their development and encourage them to become leaders in the workplace, the community, the nation, and the world.
The Diversity Statement adopted by Centenary College provides a solid foundation for academic and social life on campus. The Student Diversity Intern program and the Diversity Committee, made up of faculty, staff, and students, help plan and lead efforts to promote and celebrate diversity at the College and in the community.
Centenary explores and celebrates human diversity throughout the year with heritage month events, diversity training, and advocacy. The Diversity Committee comprises faculty, staff, and students who seek to improve diversity both on campus and in the community. Education at Centenary is both traditional and progressive. Grounded in the liberal arts, our core curriculum embraces courses in the humanities, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the visual and performing arts.
Choosing a college home is all about exploration, discovery, and conversation - just like a Centenary education. We are excited to connect you with current students who will share their excitement about starting College in Paris, France, through our one-of-a-kind Centenary in Paris program for all freshmen. Others can tell you about the real-world expertise they've gained from professional internships and research projects with faculty, or the leadership and collaboration skills they've practiced in campus organizations and community service.
Rigorous coursework and close mentoring relationships with professors propel Centenary students to successful careers in medicine, law, business, the arts, and non-profit work. 90% of Centenary students who apply to medical school are accepted, along with 80% of those who apply to law school. However, no matter which path they choose, all Centenary graduates leave empowered to do more for themselves, others, and the world. Could you read some of our Alumni stories? Whether you're here to request more information, schedule a visit, or submit your application, our Admission staff is ready to start a conversation.
Centenary education is a rigorous and engaging journey. With professors who know your name and believe in your potential, you'll chart a course toward a rewarding and successful career. Centenary combines a traditional liberal arts education with real-world experience, courses, internships, and study abroad opportunities. Centenary is Louisiana's only Tier One National Liberal Arts College and is ranked as one of Princeton Review's "382 Best Colleges."
Centenary College is an equal opportunity educational institution. The College does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, veteran's status in the administration of its educational policies, recruitment or admission of students, scholarships, grant or loan programs, athletic or other College-administered programs, employment procedures, training programs, promotion policies or other related personnel practices. The College follows the guidelines for records established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (1974).
The College's designated coordinator for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, and the Internal Revenue Service is Karen Soul, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
Many men and women have contributed valuable leadership to Centenary College since its founding in 1825. Current President Dr. Christopher L. Holoman, a four-member cabinet, and a dedicated Board of Trustees continue that tradition.
Students were primarily the sons of planters and professional men. The whole operation was mostly male -– students, faculty, administration, and staff. Tuition was $50 per year. Room, board, and firewood were $7 per month. Then, as now, the College was a liberal arts institution, concentrating on studies such as language, philosophy, history, literature, and abstract science. There was a stiff curriculum with an emphasis on Latin and Greek.
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