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Loyola University New Orleans vs Centenary College of Louisiana: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New Orleans LA · vs · Private nonprofit, Shreveport LA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Loyola University New Orleans has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,784 in 20.8 years versus 48 years at Centenary College of Louisiana, on median earnings of $52,927 vs $50,330 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLoyola University New OrleansCentenary College of Louisiana
Net price / yr$23,696$23,624
Total net cost$94,784$94,496
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,927$50,330
Median debt$26,000$27,000
Payback20.8 yrs48 yrs
20-year net return-$3,444-$55,096

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Loyola University New Orleans or Centenary College of Louisiana?

Centenary College of Louisiana, at $23,624 a year after aid versus $23,696 — a gap of $72 a year, or $288 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Loyola University New Orleans or Centenary College of Louisiana graduates earn more?

Loyola University New Orleans graduates report a median $52,927 ten years after entry, $2,597 more than the $50,330 at Centenary College of Louisiana. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Loyola University New Orleans or Centenary College of Louisiana?

Loyola University New Orleans: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Centenary College of Louisiana, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

59% of students finish at Loyola University New Orleans, against 56% at Centenary College of Louisiana. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Loyola University New Orleans vs Centenary College of Louisiana: frequently asked questions

Is Loyola University New Orleans or Centenary College of Louisiana a better value?
Loyola University New Orleans. It clears its $94,784 net cost in about 20.8 years versus 48 years at Centenary College of Louisiana, on median earnings of $52,927 vs $50,330 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Loyola University New Orleans or Centenary College of Louisiana?
Centenary College of Louisiana: $23,624/yr net price after aid versus $23,696/yr at Loyola University New Orleans — a difference of $72 a year, or about $288 over four years.
Do Loyola University New Orleans or Centenary College of Louisiana graduates earn more?
Loyola University New Orleans graduates earn a median $52,927 ten years after entry, versus $50,330 at Centenary College of Louisiana — a $2,597 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.