U.S. News & World Report has designated Centenary College in Shreveport as a “Top National Liberal Arts College,” ranking it #136 in the country. School President Dr. Christopher Holoman says what sets the private college apart is that the liberal arts program changes with the changing times. “That’s what I tell people liberal arts means is the ability to think. And so, we provide you with a toolbox and hopefully you can use those tools across a range of careers and life changes.”
Schools in this category award at least half of their degrees in the arts and sciences. Dr. Holoman says he hopes this recognition will drive up applications among graduating high school seniors. Undergraduate enrollment stood at 523 (Fall 2023). Its tuition and fees are $40,000.
Centenary is a private college founded in 1825 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. School leaders describe Centenary as the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River.
U.S. News also ranks Centenary #35 on its “Top Performers in Social Mobility” list. That ranking is based on enrollment and graduation rates for students receiving federal Pell Grants.
Many ask what the difference is between a college like Centenary from a university. The distinctions include the size of the institution, with colleges typically smaller in size, with an emphasis on undergraduate education.
By contrast, universities are usually larger institutions that offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Public universities sometimes enroll tens of thousands of students. There is also a high priority and commitment to producing research.
