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McNeese State University

Lake Charles, Louisiana — 4205 Ryan St, 70605

Annual Tuition $8,460
Enrollment 4,846
Acceptance Rate 67.6%
Median Salary $46,453

McNeese State University is a leading Public institution located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Established to provide high-quality education, McNeese State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

McNeese State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Lake Charles, Louisiana
Type Public
Total Enrollment 4,846 students
Median Salary $46,453

McNeese State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name McNeese State University
Location Lake Charles, Louisiana
Official Website https://www.mcneese.edu/
Address 4205 Ryan St
Lake Charles, LA 70605
Institution Type Public
Total Students 4,846

McNeese State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 67.6% Moderately Open
Avg. SAT Score 1,080 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 22 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 380 560
Evidence-Based Reading 430 560
ACT Math 21 midpoint
ACT English 22 midpoint

McNeese State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $8,460
Out-of-State Tuition $9,960
Pell Grant Rate 31.1%
Median Debt (Completers) $23,000

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

McNeese State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $8,431/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $8,219/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $12,263/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $15,353/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $8,431 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

67.6% acceptance rate

Is McNeese State University hard to get into?

SAT score range

810 - 1,120

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math380 - 560
Reading430 - 560

ACT score range

18 - 24

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from McNeese State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after McNeese State University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $96,345 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $112,712 4yr: $107,350
2

Engineering, General. salary after McNeese State University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,338 median/yr
Median debt $27,249 at graduation
Salary/debt 254% ROI ratio
1yr: $75,566 4yr: $91,074
3

Business Administration, Management and Operations. salary after McNeese State University

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $61,814 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $70,148 4yr: $71,296

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

McNeese State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

67.6% Moderately Open

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 4,846
Undergrad 4,346
Retention Rate 70.8% full-time
Full-Time Students 90.4%

Courses and Academic Programs at McNeese State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Bachelor's
Graduates 264
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 223
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 215
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Associate's
Graduates 205
Engineering, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 157
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 129
Agriculture, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 118
Accounting and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 90
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 87
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Master's
Graduates 87
Showing top 10 of 53 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at McNeese State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $46,453 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $38,713
Graduation Rate 52% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — McNeese State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $38,713
10 Years After Entry $46,453
Is McNeese State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $11,257
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $46,453
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 249600%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at McNeese State University

Total Students 4,846
Undergrad 4,346
Graduate 500
Retention Rate 70.8% full-time

Gender Breakdown

61.5%
38.5%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 90.4%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
64.3%
Black
17.6%
International
6.4%
Hispanic
4.5%
Two or More Races
3.9%
Asian
1.8%
Unknown / Unreported
0.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.4%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 38.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 68.1%
💍
Married Students 7.5%
📅
Students Age 25+ 12.9%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 36.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $47,295
Average Family Income $52,838
Median Family Income $35,341

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50%
50%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at McNeese State University

McNeese State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 31.1% of students
Federal Loan Rate 30.9% of students
Avg Net Price $11,257 after aid
Median Debt $23,000 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $23,000
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,168
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $23,588

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact McNeese State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

McNeese State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 52%
Median Graduate Salary $46,453
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms McNeese State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for McNeese State University

Frequently Asked Questions about McNeese State University

What is the acceptance rate at McNeese State University?

McNeese State University has an acceptance rate of 67.6%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at McNeese State University?

Tuition at McNeese State University is $8,460 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of McNeese State University?

Graduates of McNeese State University earn a median salary of $46,453 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is McNeese State University located?

McNeese State University is located at 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.