UnisHub University Compass

McNeese State University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About McNeese State University

You feel the Gulf Coast vibe the minute you hit Lake Charles. McNeese State is known for practical, hands-on learning across science and technology, the arts and humanities, business, and health fields. It has a reputation for professors who know your name and expect your best, with labs, studios, and fieldwork that turn theory into practice.

Campus life blends blue-and-gold spirit with neighborly ease. Students use tutoring, advising, a busy library, wellness support, and a career center that helps connect them with regional internships. Weekdays bring clubs, rec sports, and performances; weekends can mean trails, bayous, and a serious food scene nearby. The culture is friendly, a little gritty, and proud of its Cowboys traditions. Graduates step into Gulf Coast careers and beyond, backed by alumni like NBA Hall of Famer Joe Dumars.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, Louisiana, 70605, USA
Unit ID
159717

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Large programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$8,460
Tuition $5,147 + Fee $3,313
Out-of-State
$9,960
Tuition $6,647 + Fee $3,313
Student Profile
Total Students 6,060
Undergraduate 4,846
Graduate/Other 1,214
Male: 2,262 Female: 3,798
Applications
Total Applicants 3,294
Admitted 2,225
Enrolled 1,063
Acceptance: 67.5% Yield: 47.8%
Staff
Total Staff 679
Full-time 547
Part-time 132
Full-time: 80.6% Part-time: 19.4%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

McNeese State University offers 43 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,195 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (7 programs, 267 graduates), Business (5 programs, 210 graduates), Liberal Arts (3 programs, 180 graduates), Kinesiology (1 programs, 83 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 72 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (7 programs, 267 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 190
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3801
Health Services Administration 21
Bachelor's
51.2211
Radiologic Technology 19
Bachelor's
51.0911
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology 18
Bachelor's
51.1005
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 10
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.3810
Clinical Nutrition 8
Master's
51.3102
Mental Health Counseling 1
Master's
51.1508
Business (5 programs, 210 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 122
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Accounting 39
Bachelor's
52.0301
Marketing Management 24
Bachelor's
52.1401
Finance, General 22
Bachelor's
52.0801
Business Administration and Management 3
Other Award
52.0299
Liberal Arts (3 programs, 180 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Studies 170
Associate's
Bachelor's
24.0102
Liberal Arts and Sciences 9
Bachelor's
24.0101
Humanities Studies 1
Bachelor's
24.0103
Kinesiology (1 programs, 83 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 83
Bachelor's
Master's
31.0505
Psychology (1 programs, 72 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 72
Bachelor's
Master's
42.0101
Engineering (3 programs, 71 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Engineering 29
Bachelor's
Master's
14.0101
Mechanical Engineering 22
Bachelor's
14.1901
Chemical Engineering 20
Bachelor's
14.0701
Education (8 programs, 47 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Elementary Education 16
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1202
Early Childhood Education 9
Bachelor's
13.1210
School Library Media Specialist 8
Postbac Cert.
13.1334
School Counseling and Guidance 5
Master's
13.1101
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 3
Bachelor's
13.1314
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 3
Post-Master's
13.1401
Curriculum and Instruction 2
Master's
13.0301
Gifted and Talented Education 1
Post-Master's
13.1004
Security & Safety (1 programs, 45 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 45
Bachelor's
Master's
43.0104
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 39 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 39
Bachelor's
26.0101
Social Sciences (2 programs, 31 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sociology 23
Bachelor's
45.1101
Political Science and Government 8
Bachelor's
45.1001

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at McNeese State University.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Admission Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Required
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
810 - 1120
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 430 - 560
Median: 500
Math 380 - 560
Median: 480
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
18 - 24
25th-75th percentile
English 18 - 24
Median: 21
Math 16 - 23
Median: 19

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$26,280
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$27,780
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,460
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,960
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$10,596 (on) / $11,337 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,300
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,924
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,924
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,497
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,997
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

18%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,409
Avg. Loan
$5,536
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,856
Additional
Students with Any Grant
838
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
367
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
396
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$4,590
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

52%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
71%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$26,345 – $71,043
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$26,345 (25th %) $71,043 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $46,453
Median Salary After 6 Years
$38,713
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$46,453
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
62.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
75.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$23,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 53.2%
Middle 64.7%
High 79.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 65.3%
Independent 56.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about McNeese State University

How much does it cost to attend McNeese State University?

The annual tuition at McNeese State University is $8,460 for in-state students and $9,960 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $26,280 for in-state students and $27,780 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,596 (on) / $11,337 (off) and books and supplies $1,300.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does McNeese State University offer?

McNeese State University offers 43 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (7 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (3 programs)
  • Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (1 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for McNeese State University?

McNeese State University has an 67.5% acceptance rate and a 47.8% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 3,294
  • Students admitted: 2,225
  • Students enrolled: 1,063

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at McNeese State University?

McNeese State University provides financial aid to 18% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,409 and average loans of $5,536.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,829
  • State/Local grants: $5,011
  • Institutional grants: $4,590
  • Federal loans: $4,856

The university supports 838 students with grants and 367 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for McNeese State University graduates?

McNeese State University graduates earn a median salary of $38,713 after 6 years and $46,453 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $26,345 (25th percentile) to $71,043 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $83,300 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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