McNeese State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 5,005 students.
About This School
McNeese State University is a public institution located in Lake Charles, Louisiana with approximately 5,005 undergraduate students enrolled. McNeese State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 78%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,493 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, and the typical graduate earns $45,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
McNeese State University is a public university in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 1939 as Lake Charles Junior College, it was renamed McNeese Junior College after John McNeese, an early local educator. The present name was adopted in 1970. McNeese is part of the University of Louisiana System and is classified as a Master's University. The university consists of six colleges and the Doré School of Graduate Studies. McNeese is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $11,257/year after aid and a median debt of only $13,000 at graduation, McNeese is genuinely affordable, which matters. However, the 52% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than 1 in 2 students who start actually finish — so ask hard questions about academic support before committing. Worth considering if you're a Louisiana resident looking for a low-cost regional option and have a clear plan to stay on track.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 31% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,005 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Louisiana
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Baton Rouge, LA · Public
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA · Public
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA · Public
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA · Public
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge, LA · Public
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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