“An exclusively undergraduate liberal arts college with one of the highest study abroad rates in the nation.”
Centre College is a private, exclusively undergraduate liberal arts college located in Danville, Kentucky, a charming small city in the heart of the Bluegrass State. Founded in 1819, Centre is among the oldest colleges in the South and has built a national reputation for producing exceptional graduates relative to its size — its alumni include two U.S. Vice Presidents, dozens of governors, and a remarkable concentration of Rhodes, Fulbright, and Watson Scholars. Centre is best known for its transformative study abroad program: roughly 85% of students study abroad at least once, one of the highest rates among all US liberal arts colleges, enabled by the college's unique CentreTerm — a January term designed around immersive off-campus learning. The academic experience is close-knit and highly personalized, with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17. The Centre Promise ensures that domestic students who meet certain criteria can graduate in four years or the college will fund additional study. For the 2025-26 year, 99% of undergraduates receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid package of over $40,000. Centre ranks #21 nationally for undergraduate teaching and #25 for study abroad in US News 2026. Danville itself offers a welcoming, arts-rich community with historic architecture, farm-to-table dining, and easy access to Lexington's urban amenities just 35 miles away.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Undergraduate Teaching
US News 2026
Study Abroad
US News 2026
Best Value Liberal Arts
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision
Binding. Early notification.
Early Action
Non-binding. Early notification.
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$48,000
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$70,340
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Covers Government, History, Economics, International Studies, Sociology, and Philosophy — strong preparation for law school and graduate study.
Strong pre-medical and pre-health tracks alongside pure sciences. Biology and Chemistry are particularly well-regarded for graduate and medical school placement.
English, Classical Studies, Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre — backed by CentreTerm opportunities that take students to study in global cultural capitals.
4 years
Designed for globally minded students, International Studies integrates politics, economics, language, and culture — enhanced by Centre's exceptional study abroad infrastructure including more than 60 programs across 40 countries.
4 years
One of the most popular majors, combining rigorous theory with real-world application. Strong placement record for graduate programs, banking, consulting, and policy roles.
4 years
Centre's pre-medical track boasts high medical school acceptance rates, supported by individualized advising, laboratory access, and research partnerships with regional health institutions.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $52,820
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
