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Tulane University of Louisiana 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

Tulane University of Louisiana has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $159,796 in 10.7 years versus 48 years at Centenary College of Louisiana, on median earnings of $63,268 vs $50,330 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTulane University of LouisianaCentenary College of Louisiana
Net price / yr$39,949$23,624
Total net cost$159,796$94,496
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,268$50,330
Median debt$20,500$27,000
Payback10.7 yrs48 yrs
20-year net return$138,364-$55,096

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

Which is cheaper, Tulane University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana?

Centenary College of Louisiana, at $23,624 a year after aid versus $39,949 — a gap of $16,325 a year, or $65,300 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Tulane University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana graduates earn more?

Tulane University of Louisiana graduates report a median $63,268 ten years after entry, $12,938 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, Tulane University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana?

Tulane University of Louisiana: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Centenary College of Louisiana, a difference of $6,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Tulane University of Louisiana, 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.

Tulane University of Louisiana vs Centenary College of Louisiana: frequently asked questions

Is Tulane University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana a better value?
Tulane University of Louisiana. It clears its $159,796 net cost in about 10.7 years versus 48 years at Centenary College of Louisiana, on median earnings of $63,268 vs $50,330 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Tulane University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana?
Centenary College of Louisiana: $23,624/yr net price after aid versus $39,949/yr at Tulane University of Louisiana — a difference of $16,325 a year, or about $65,300 over four years.
Do Tulane University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana graduates earn more?
Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn a median $63,268 ten years after entry, versus $50,330 at Centenary College of Louisiana — a $12,938 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.