McNeese State University is a public 4-year college in Lake Charles, Louisiana with 5,005 undergraduates. It admits 78% of applicants, costs an average of $11,228 a year after grants and graduates 47% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
McNeese State University acceptance rate and admissions
McNeese State University admitted 78% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 490 to 610, math 450 to 588). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
McNeese State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $9,084 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $10,584 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,016 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $21,410 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $11,228 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $11,228 a year after grants and scholarships, $10,182 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run McNeese State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
McNeese State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 47% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $50,152 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $21,383 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 43% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
McNeese State University majors and what graduates earn
McNeese State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 30 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from engineering, general ($107,319).
All 30 majors at McNeese State University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, general | 27 | $73,828 | $107,319 | $19,899 |
| Nursing | 149 | $79,060 | $85,928 | $17,750 |
| Accounting | 39 | $46,271 | $67,331 | $18,324 |
| Computer science | 21 | n/a | $64,834 | n/a |
| Finance | 22 | n/a | $62,705 | n/a |
| Business administration | 84 | $46,300 | $60,532 | $19,500 |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | 19 | $56,471 | $59,777 | $21,554 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 68 | $25,378 | $51,257 | $21,075 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 20 | $46,885 | $48,195 | n/a |
| Sociology | 23 | $36,165 | $47,592 | $28,500 |
| Communication | 26 | $38,551 | $47,166 | $19,619 |
| Criminal justice | 29 | $38,863 | $46,223 | $27,768 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 131 | $39,751 | $45,669 | $21,100 |
| Marketing | 24 | $35,325 | $44,589 | n/a |
| Agriculture, General | 49 | $39,426 | $43,901 | $21,616 |
| English | 18 | n/a | $43,828 | n/a |
| Psychology | 60 | $27,960 | $37,416 | $22,975 |
| Fine and studio arts | 21 | $16,432 | $34,891 | n/a |
| Biology | 39 | $36,339 | n/a | $22,614 |
| Mechanical engineering | 22 | $89,765 | n/a | n/a |
| Public health | 21 | $35,224 | n/a | $23,000 |
| Chemical engineering | 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical lab science | 18 | $55,942 | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Wildlife management | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at McNeese State University
16 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 16 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Master's | 41 | $111,515 | $41,000 |
| Business administration | Master's | 38 | $60,900 | $25,686 |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 16 | $46,447 | $28,378 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 15 | $47,042 | n/a |
| Psychology | Master's | 12 | $50,660 | $39,294 |
| Chemistry | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Nutrition and dietetics | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| English | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Nursing | Professional doctorate | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering, general | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 5,005 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 62% women, 38% men
- 20 students for every faculty member
- Setting: small city
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at McNeese State University?
McNeese State University admitted 78% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does McNeese State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $9,084 for in-state students and $10,584 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $11,228 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for McNeese State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 490 to 610 in reading and writing and 450 to 588 in math, and 18 to 23 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is McNeese State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, McNeese State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at McNeese State University?
47% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do McNeese State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $50,152 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Louisiana · McNeese State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.