Business Administration, Management and Operations at Centenary College of Louisiana

The $27,000 in estimated debt here is fairly standard for business programs in Louisiana, but the first-year earnings picture tells a more sobering story. With similar programs across the state producing starting salaries around $38,500, Centenary's graduates would be earning roughly $7,200 less than the national median for business majors. That gap matters when you're making loan payments—it's the difference between manageable monthly bills and feeling financially stretched.

The four-year earnings figure of $55,511 shows meaningful salary growth, suggesting that business graduates who stick with their careers do see their income rise. However, that starting point puts Centenary's program in the bottom half even among Louisiana schools. Nearby Louisiana State University-Shreveport and Louisiana Tech both produce business graduates earning $4,000-$6,000 more right out of the gate, while Tulane's business program shows what's possible at the top end of the state market.

For families weighing this investment, the 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within workable territory, but barely. Your child would be borrowing nearly three-quarters of their expected first-year salary, which leaves little cushion if job-hunting takes longer than expected or if they need additional time to land a position matching their degree. Given that multiple public universities in Louisiana appear to deliver stronger early earnings outcomes, understanding what specific advantages Centenary offers beyond the credential itself becomes essential to justifying the cost.