Analysis
A $21,750 debt load paired with estimated first-year earnings of $44,136 creates a manageable starting point—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 falls well within reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree. However, these figures come from broader patterns rather than tracking Centenary's actual graduates, so they illuminate what's typical for Louisiana math majors but not what this specific program delivers.
The estimated earnings align exactly with Louisiana's state median for math degrees, which places Centenary somewhere in the middle of the pack. Nationally, math degrees command a median of $48,772, suggesting Louisiana programs generally trail by about $4,600. What's less certain is where Centenary lands within that Louisiana range—top programs like Tulane push past $55,000, while others hover in the low-$40,000s. The debt estimate, drawn from similar small private colleges nationally, runs about $6,750 higher than Louisiana's typical math major carries, which could matter if Centenary's actual outcomes fall toward the lower end of the state's earnings distribution.
For families weighing this investment, the core question is whether Centenary's particular approach to math education—smaller classes, individualized attention—translates into employment outcomes that justify the higher debt load compared to public alternatives. Without actual graduate data, you're essentially betting on the program's quality based on the college's overall profile rather than proven results.
Where Centenary College of Louisiana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Centenary College of LouisianaShreveport | $40,000 | $44,136* | — | $21,750* | — |
 Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans | $65,538 | $55,916* | — | $14,957* | 0.27 |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $44,136* | $56,090 | $15,000* | 0.34 |
 University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette | $10,418 | $42,475* | — | $24,200* | 0.57 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Centenary College of Louisiana, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.