(July 29, 2008)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073.

Centenary Named One of "The Best 368 Colleges" in 2009 Edition of the Princeton Review Guide

The Best 368 Colleges

SHREVEPORT, La.—Centenary College is one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review, the New York-based education services company known for its test-prep courses. The College is featured in the just-published 2009 edition of its annual book, "The Best 368 Colleges."

Centenary is one of the colleges designated as one of the best colleges in North America based on its outstanding academics and the opportunities provided to students. Only about 15 percent of America's 2,500 four-year colleges and two Canadian colleges are listed in the book.

In the Centenary profile, the guide's editors describe the College as a small school, with only a handful of elite undergraduate institutions being smaller. That said, however, the editor's go on to say that smallness has its virtues. The small size of the student body gives students the opportunity to receive individual attention in class and be involved in many organizations, and hold leadership positions outside of class. It also fosters "a community atmosphere" in which "professors really care about you emotionally and academically," along with providing "a lot of one-on-one help and projects."

According to the profile, pre-medical sciences are said to be excellent with nearly 20 percent of all students majoring in life sciences, as are business studies, music, and communications. Academics are "extremely rigorous and thorough," so much so that "no one graduates without expanding their knowledge base." As at many small schools, "the professors are absolutely wonderful. They're engaging, knowledgeable, and really care about what they're teaching and about their students."

"It is very validating for us as an institution to have a national publication such as the Princeton Review recognize the type of unique experience we are offering students," said Mickey Quinlan, Associate Dean of Admissions. "This type of recognition allows others across the country to take notice of Centenary College and its nationally competitive education."

"We chose schools for this book primarily for their outstanding academics," said Robert Franek, Princeton Review's V.P., of Publishing. "We evaluated them based on institutional data we collect about the schools, feedback from students attending them, and our visits to schools over the years. We also consider the opinions of independent college counselors, students, and parents we hear from throughout the year. Finally, we work to have a wide representation of colleges in the book by region, size, selectivity and character."

The ranking lists in "The Best 368 Colleges" are based on The Princeton Review's survey of 120,000 students (about 325 per campus on average) attending the 368 colleges in the book. A college's appearance on these lists is attributable to a high consensus among its surveyed students about the subject. The 80-question survey asked students to rate their schools on several topics and report on their campus experiences at them. Ranking lists report the top 20 schools in categories that range from best professors, administration, and campus food to lists based on student body political leanings, race/class relations, sports interests, and other aspects of campus life. The Princeton Review does not rank the colleges in the book 1 to 368 in any category, nor do the rankings reflect The Princeton Review's opinion of the schools.

To read the complete review on Centenary College, visit http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeBasics.aspx?iid=1022878.

The Best 368 Colleges (Random House, $21.95) is one of over 200 books developed by The Princeton Review, which is not affiliated with Princeton University or the Educational Testing Service.


About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.