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Centre College

Danville, KY · Private · 1,400 students

Old Centre, our signature historic building, welcomes visitors to campus.

Acceptance rate

54.4%

SAT (mid 50%)

1160–1450

Avg net price

$20,781

after aid

Next deadline

Nov 15

EA

Testing

Required

2026 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Centre College’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Centre College admitted 54.4% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 11601450 on the SAT and 2532 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Centre College actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Big-Picture Learning, Real-World Impact

A well-rounded liberal arts and sciences education prepares you to succeed and adapt in an ever-changing world.

The curriculum is built around a liberal arts and sciences foundation, offering a wide range of majors, minors, and pre-professional programs designed for big-picture learning.

  • Biochemistry & Molecular BiologySTEM, Research, Health
  • Economics & FinanceBusiness, Analytics, Markets
  • PoliticsGovernment, Law, Policy

Verified from centre.edu and centre.edu and centre.edu and centre.edu and centre.edu and centre.edu and admission.centre.edu and centre.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Next deadlineNovember 15, 2026 (EA)
  • Regular decisionJanuary 15, 2027
  • TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
  • Recommendations2 letters
  • Personal essayRequired
  • ApplicationCommon App

Verified from https://www.centre.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $67,787, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $20,781.

Centre is committed to meeting 100% of your calculated financial need through a combination of scholarships, grants, and other aid, pledging over $54 million in institutional aid this year.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $66,240.

Verified from https://www.centre.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

A Tuesday here might mean balancing biochemistry with orchestra practice, then connecting with friends on the football team, all while preparing for formal dinners with career support.

You can explore the campus grounds, including Old Centre and Sutcliffe Hall, and grab refreshment at the Hall of Fame Cafe.

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Quick answers

Centre College FAQ

Is Centre College test-optional?
No. For the 2026 application cycle, Centre College requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.
How hard is it to get into Centre College?
Very hard. Centre College admits 54.4% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1160 to 1450 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
When is the Centre College application deadline?
The next deadline is November 15, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes January 15, 2027.
How much does Centre College cost?
The list price is about $67,787, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $20,781.
Is Centre College worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $66,240 ten years after enrolling, and 83% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Centre College.

Spike answers from Centre College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.