Photo: Centenary College. Retrieved from: www.wikiwand.com
A liberal arts school, Centenary College of Louisiana is just one of 16 schools belonging to the Associated Colleges of the South. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and located in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Centenary College of Louisiana is home to around 800 undergraduate and graduate students.
Believing that a liberal arts degree “strengthens the foundation for students’ personal lives and career goals”, the school offers numerous classes in social sciences, natural sciences, the arts and humanities. These classes teach students to think critically, analyze information and to respect the value of artistic expression. Besides a great education, administrators at Centenary College of Louisiana feel their students should not only be outstanding scholars, but also dedicate their time to serving others and overcoming ignorance and intolerance.
Centenary College of Louisiana offers 20 majors and 9 minors; students can choose what they want to study in a safe and welcoming environment. From Biophysics to Religious Studies, outstanding faculty teaches students key information they need to land a job upon graduation.
History
Founded in 1825 as the College of Louisiana, Centenary College of Louisiana is the oldest liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. It opened in the early 1800’s in Jackson, Louisiana. Struggling financially it later merged with the Centenary College of Clinton, Mississippi in 1845,forming the Centenary College of Louisiana.
When the civil war began, the college was suspended, as most of the students had gone to war. The Confederates used the college as a hospital, but it fell to the Union in 1863. The original campus is now a state historic site by the Louisiana Office of State Parks. After the civil war, the college reopened and moved its campus to Shreveport.
Campus Life
The Centenary College of Louisiana’s campus is home to five residence halls that include laundry facilities, kitchens, and a computer lab free of charge. Students are required to live on campus through their senior year, but some exceptions are granted. Administrators hope that by living on campus, students will develop the potential for integrity and tolerance by immersing themselves in a diverse environment.
Students are encouraged to participate in organizations such as the Chemistry Club or the college’s comedy group, “Alan’s Hot Tub.” With many clubs and an active Greek Life, students don’t have a hard time finding their place in the college community.
Student athletes participate in Division III athletics, and are part of the American Southwest Conference. Students can choose to play gymnastics, lacrosse, and soccer among others. Although they have not won any championships recently, they were a powerhouse in both woman’s gymnastics and men’s basketball back in the 1970’s.
Financial Aid
The cost to attend Centenary College of Louisiana is close to $39,000 a year. The college works with students to get them scholarships, loans, work study opportunities and grants. In 2012, 89% of undergraduates applied for financial aid, and 100% of those students received it. Out of those students, 23.5% of students’ needs were fully met. At the end of their time at Centenary College of Louisiana, students can expect to be in $22,000 worth of debt.
