Centre College's published cost of attendance reaches $63,354 per year, including $50,550 in tuition, $13,770 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $21,497 representing $41,857 in average financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $63,354 |
| Tuition and Fees | $50,550 |
| Room and Board | $13,770 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$41,857 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,497 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,779 |
| $30–48k | $13,431 |
| $48–75k | $17,317 |
| $75–110k | $22,346 |
| $110k+ | $28,164 |
Centre College's published cost of attendance reaches $63,354 per year, including $50,550 in tuition, $13,770 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $21,497 representing $41,857 in average financial aid savings. This net price falls slightly above the peer median of $21,812, indicating costs that are $315 higher than similar institutions.
Centre College's financial aid substantially reduces the sticker price burden, making the education accessible at approximately one-third of the published cost. The gap between sticker price and net cost demonstrates the institution's commitment to making liberal arts education financially feasible through substantial aid packages. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $10,779 for the lowest-income families to $28,164 for the highest-income bracket, reflecting progressive aid targeting.
Centre College enrolls 21.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating that approximately one in five students receives federal aid for low-income families. The substantial gap between the $63,354 sticker price and $21,497 average net price reflects comprehensive aid programming that makes the education accessible across income levels.
Net prices by income bracket demonstrate Centre College's strategy of concentrating aid toward lower-income families while providing support across the income spectrum. The progressive pricing structure indicates institutional commitment to economic accessibility despite the private college premium, with meaningful aid available even for middle and upper-middle income families who might assume they qualify for limited assistance.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Centre College graduates carry median debt of $27,000, which is $2,000 higher than the peer median of $25,000 but remains manageable relative to earnings outcomes. Debt levels range from $14,000 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating relatively consistent borrowing patterns across students.
The debt percentile of 4% reflects higher borrowing levels compared to national averages, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 remains within sustainable ranges. Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $50,378 with monthly payments of $663, indicating additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The combination of $27,000 student debt and substantial parent borrowing suggests that Centre College education requires meaningful financial commitment from families. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio indicates that graduate incomes support loan repayment, with earnings of $66,240 providing adequate capacity for the $27,000 debt burden across typical career trajectories.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Centre College graduates earn around the national average when adjusted for student characteristics, performing $1,380 below expectations at the 49.9th percentile for earnings beyond expectations. However, graduates earn $15,828 more annually than peer institutions, demonstrating strong value relative to similar colleges.
The debt level of $2,000 above peer averages is offset by substantially higher earnings, resulting in favorable long-term financial outcomes. With median earnings of $66,240 ranking at the 82nd percentile nationally and a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, Centre College delivers solid return on educational investment.
The combination of above-average earnings, controlled debt levels, and strong completion rates supports positive long-term financial outcomes despite higher borrowing than peer institutions. Students should evaluate Centre College as an investment that requires meaningful financial commitment but delivers competitive career outcomes and earnings growth over time.
