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Xavier 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

Xavier University of Louisiana has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,508 in 17.9 years versus 48 years at Centenary College of Louisiana, on median earnings of $52,184 vs $50,330 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureXavier University of LouisianaCentenary College of Louisiana
Net price / yr$17,127$23,624
Total net cost$68,508$94,496
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,184$50,330
Median debt$24,053$27,000
Payback17.9 yrs48 yrs
20-year net return$7,972-$55,096

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

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

Xavier University of Louisiana, at $17,127 a year after aid versus $23,624 — a gap of $6,497 a year, or $25,988 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

Xavier University of Louisiana graduates report a median $52,184 ten years after entry, $1,854 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, Xavier University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana?

Xavier University of Louisiana: its completers carry a median $24,053 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Centenary College of Louisiana, a difference of $2,947. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Centenary College of Louisiana, against 49% at Xavier University 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.

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

Is Xavier University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana a better value?
Xavier University of Louisiana. It clears its $68,508 net cost in about 17.9 years versus 48 years at Centenary College of Louisiana, on median earnings of $52,184 vs $50,330 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Xavier University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana?
Xavier University of Louisiana: $17,127/yr net price after aid versus $23,624/yr at Centenary College of Louisiana — a difference of $6,497 a year, or about $25,988 over four years.
Do Xavier University of Louisiana or Centenary College of Louisiana graduates earn more?
Xavier University of Louisiana graduates earn a median $52,184 ten years after entry, versus $50,330 at Centenary College of Louisiana — a $1,854 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.