Economics at Centenary College of Louisiana

Based on comparable economics programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $51,700 against estimated debt of $24,100 yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's within the bounds of reasonable educational investment, though it's worth noting that Louisiana's typical economics graduate earns closer to $46,400, about $5,000 less than the national baseline these estimates draw from.

The debt figure here runs slightly above both the national median ($22,800) and Louisiana's typical economics program debt of $19,500. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, families should recognize that actual costs can vary significantly based on financial aid packages. The difference between estimated earnings and state-level outcomes suggests some uncertainty about whether Centenary's graduates achieve the national earnings pattern or track closer to Louisiana norms.

Here's the practical reality: if outcomes align with national peer programs, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $275 on a standard ten-year repayment plan—feasible on a $51,700 salary. But if earnings land closer to Louisiana's $46,400 median, that same debt becomes a tighter squeeze. Given the small program size that necessitated these estimates, prospective families should request direct placement data from Centenary's career services to understand where recent graduates actually land and whether the program connects students to higher-paying markets beyond Louisiana.