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McNeese State University

McNeese

Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605

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Known for health sciences — excellent value

McNeese State University is a public institution in Lake Charles with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1080, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 4.8K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

52% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,453 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,257.

Established
1939
Motto
Excellence With A Personal Touch
Mascot
Rowdy
Type
Public university
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

114 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
68%Acceptance
1080SAT Avg
4,846Students
18:1Student:Faculty
52%Grad Rate
$46,453Earnings 10yr
$11,257Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

McNeese State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate67.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1080

Reading & WritingMid: 525
430560
MathMid: 555
380560

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
1824

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

67.5%

Trend

SAT Avg

1080

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$8,460
Tuition (out-of-state)$9,960
Room & Board$10,596
Books & Supplies$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance$21,168
Average Net Price$11,257
Median Debt at Graduation$23,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$244

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$8,431
$30–48K$8,219
$48–75K$12,263
$75–110K$15,353
$110K+$17,328

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$11,257

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6900.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$13,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

36

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (66)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
4,846
Gender Split
62% / 38%
Women / Men
First Generation
38%
Pell Grant Recipients
31%

Race & Ethnicity

White 64%
Black 18%
Hispanic 5%
Asian 2%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 6%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate52.0%
Freshman Retention70.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$38,713
8 Years$41,254
10 Years$46,453

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$35,600
Men
$57,400

Rankings

U.S. News
#98
Washington Monthly
#360

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Cowboys

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

97Average

Estimated from LA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 240Rainy days: 85

Nearest Cities

Houstonpop. 2.3M
132 mi(229 min)
New Orleanspop. 380K
189 mi(328 min)
Austinpop. 960K
270 mi(468 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

McNeese State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications