Freshmen Scholarships & Financial Aid

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Freshmen Scholarships

Freshmen Merit Scholarships 

When you apply for admission to Centenary, you are automatically considered for merit-based academic scholarships. Submit your free application to determine your merit scholarship today!

  Award Amount Minimum GPA Minimum SAT Minimum ACT
President's Scholarship** Starts at $30,000/year 3.8 GPA* 1360  30 
Dean's Scholarship Starts at $25,000/year 3.4 GPA* 1230  26 
Trustee's Scholarship Starts at $20,000/year 3.0 GPA* 1100  22 

*Centenary GPA: Recalculated GPA based on core courses only, on a four point scale.

**Students who meet the criteria for the President's Scholarship and are accepted prior to December 1 will be invited to compete for additional scholarships at Scholars Weekend, which takes place in January.  

Most institutional scholarships and grants can be combined with other scholarships and financial aid to help students fund their Centenary education. All students are encouraged to file the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Other Scholarships and Grants for College Freshmen

Award Details/Requirements
Campus Visit Scholarship Students who visit will receive this $1,000/year award. Schedule your official visit at centenary.edu/visit.
FAFSA Incentive Grant Students who submit their FAFSA to Centenary will receive this $1,000/year award.
TOPS Louisiana's Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive state scholarship program that can be applied to your Centenary education. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the state, TOPS awards range from $5,718-$8,500/year.
TEG The Equalization Grant (TEG) is awarded to students who are not residents of Louisiana and who meet the minimum eligibility requirement of a 3.0 Centenary GPA (recalculated based on core courses only, on a four point scale). This award is $5,000/year.
Legacy Award Available to direct descendants of Centenary alumni (grandparent, parent, or sibling). Siblings who attend Centenary at the same time can both receive this $2,000/year award.
Centenary Grants Available to admitted students with financial need. To be eligible, students must complete the FAFSA.
Room Discount Automatically available to students residing (permanent home address) in the 710-711 zip code range in northwest Louisiana at the time of their application.
Artistic Merit Awards Artistic Merit Awards in art, music, and theatre usually require separate applications and auditions. More information is available here.
CLC Award Centenary’s Christian Leadership Center is an ecumenical, faith-based, co-curricular program committed to creating opportunities for Christian Leadership development. Students must apply and be admitted to this program to be considered.
Methodist Awards Centenary offers various awards for membership to a Methodist Church and for students who have a parent actively serving as an ordained United Methodist Minister. More information is available here. 
Veteran Benefits Veterans and veteran dependents may qualify for a variety of additional benefits. More information is available here. 

 

How to Apply for Scholarships for College Freshmen

Centenary provides both merit-based and need-based financial aid. To access your complete financial aid offer, you must first submit your admission application and the FAFSA.

  • Submit your free admission application, available August 1 of your senior year.
  • Submit your FAFSA, available October 1 of your senior year.

Federal & State Grants

Your completed FAFSA form is the application for Louisiana state aid programs like TOPS and GO Grants, and federal grants such as the Pell.

Learn More

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment to help students pay for educational and personal expenses - and boosts resumes with real-world work experiences.

Learn more

Federal & Private Loans

Looking for additional funds to help pay the remaining balance? Visit the loans page for more information.

Learn More

Scholarships and Financial Aid FAQs

What scholarships are available at Centenary College of Louisiana?

Centenary offers academic merit scholarships, scholarships for visiting campus and submitting the FAFSA, artistic scholarships, legacy awards, need-based grants, and additional aid opportunities for qualifying students.  

Are students automatically considered for scholarships?

Yes. Students are automatically considered for many merit scholarships when submitting their free application.  

How much scholarship money can students receive?

Scholarship amounts vary based on academic achievement, leadership, talent, and financial need. Some merit scholarships start at $20,000–$30,000 per year for qualifying students.  

Does Centenary offer scholarships for high-achieving students?

Yes. High-achieving students who qualify for our President’s Scholarship and apply by December 1 are invited to Scholars Weekend to compete for additional awards. Students must have a 3.8 unweighted core GPA and either a 30 ACT or 1360 SAT.

What is the FAFSA and why does it matter?

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the FAFSA helps determine eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and additional institutional aid. Louisiana students who qualify for TOPS and a federal pell grant will qualify for full tuition through our Centenary Affordability Pledge.  

When should students complete the FAFSA?

Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible after it opens to maximize financial aid eligibility. 

Can scholarships and financial aid be combined?

Yes. Many scholarships, grants, and financial aid awards can be combined to help reduce college costs. Centenary funded scholarship and grant money cannot exceed tuition.  

Are there scholarships for students outside Louisiana?

Yes. Some scholarship programs and grants are available for students from outside Louisiana who meet eligibility requirements. All out-of-state students who have at least a 3.0 unweighted core GPA qualify for an additional $5,000 grant that can be stacked on top of their merit scholarship.  

Do students need a separate scholarship application?

No. Students are considered for most of our scholarships by submitting their free admission application. However, Artistic Merit Awards for Art, Music, Theatre, and Communications do require either an audition or portfolio.  

 

How can families estimate the cost of attending before applying?

Families can review scholarship opportunities, complete the FAFSA, and use a college net price calculator to estimate total cost.  

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