Centenary recognized for financial health by Forbes Magazine
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary’s financial position is among the strongest in the country, according to Forbes Magazine. The publication awarded Centenary an “A” for financial health in its annual “America’s Top Colleges” ranking released August 2. For the tenth consecutive year, Centenary was also included in Forbes’ list of “Best Private Colleges,” “Best Liberal Arts Universities,” and “Best Colleges in the South.”
“We hear stories on a daily basis about the value our students and alumni find in their Centenary education – from academics and study abroad to co-curricular pursuits on the field and stage, and in the pool and the studio,” says Dr. Jenifer K. Ward, Provost and Dean of the College. “We are heartened to see qualitative evidence to back up what we experience regularly on campus and through letters and Instagram photos.”
Forbes analyzed data provided by the U.S. Department of Education from the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years to determine financial health grades for private, not for profit colleges with at least 500 students. Forbes describes its methodology as “ROI-centric,” focusing more on an institution’s measurable, long-term effectiveness than on its reputation or “prestige.” Metrics such as alumni salaries, student debt, student experience, graduation rate, and post-graduate academic achievement figure heavily in the formula used to produce the “Top Colleges” lists.
The detailed methodology is available at Forbes.com.
Centenary’s record of post-graduate achievement and unique opportunities for undergraduate students has helped the College maintain a presence in the Forbes lists since their inception ten years ago. Over the past five years, 90% of Centenary students applying to medical schools have been accepted, along with 80% of those applying to law schools. Centenary also ranks first in the nation among baccalaureate colleges for sending students to study abroad, with 82% of the student body having enjoyed at least one international educational experience.