McNeese State University
About McNeese State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
McNeese State University is a public university in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It offers affordable programs in engineering, nursing, business, and education and serves the southwest Louisiana region.
Founded
1939
Location
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Students
5,578
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
78.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
47%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,489
Out-of-state: $9,989
Avg Net Price
$12,493
After financial aid
SAT Average
1087
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$46,453
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
McNeese State University accepts the majority of applicants at 78.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1087/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
47% complete their degree within six years
Retention
68.4%
4-Year Grad
23%
6-Year Grad
41%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$5.6K
Class Size
Large
The 23% graduation rate is below average, but 68.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,489
In-State
$9,989
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,644
Books & Supplies
$1,353
Total Cost of Attendance
$22,810
After Financial Aid
$12,493
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,482
Receive Grants
34.6%
Take Loans
32.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $22,810/yr, including $10,644 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,493.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at McNeese State University fund their education.
While in School
34.6%
Get Grants
Free money
32.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$35,341
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 32.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends McNeese State University.
Gender
61.7%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,005
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
573
Graduates
38.5%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
12.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 38.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
5,005
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
McNeese State University fields 9 varsity teams with 472 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southland
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
472
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
271
Men
201
Women
4
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of McNeese State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$46,453
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$35K
156 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$77K
131 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
93 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$27K
70 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Agriculture, General
$38K
50 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about McNeese State University
What is the acceptance rate at McNeese State University?▾
How much does McNeese State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at McNeese State University?▾
How much do McNeese State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.