Government-Verified Education Data

McNeese State University

Q: How much does McNeese State University cost?

In-state tuition is $8,460 and out-of-state tuition is $9,960 per year.

Q: What do McNeese State University graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $38,713 and 10 years after is $46,453.

Q: What percentage of students at McNeese State University take federal loans?

30.9% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at McNeese State University?

McNeese State University has a total enrollment of 4,846 students (public institution). That is about 3× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at McNeese State University?

Out-of-state tuition at McNeese State University is $9,960 per year, compared with $8,460 for in-state students — a difference of $1,500. That is 63% below the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into McNeese State University?

Admitted students at McNeese State University typically score between 940 and 1198 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1087. Reading/writing range: 490–610; math range: 450–588.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into McNeese State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students at McNeese State University score between 18 and 23 on the ACT.

Q: How do McNeese State University graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of McNeese State University earn a median of $46,453 ten years after entry — 14% below the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 25% of ranked U.S. colleges.

Lake Charles, Louisiana · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$38,713

Acceptance Rate

68%

Graduation Rate

49%

Annual Tuition

$8,460

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of McNeese State University earn a median of $46,453 ten years after entry — 14% below the national median. Acceptance rate 67.6%, average SAT score 1087, in-state tuition $8,460.

At a Glance

Total Students

4,846

Retention Rate

71%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

31%

Median Debt

$23,000

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,087

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

490–610

SAT Math (middle 50%)

450–588

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

18–23

Institution Overview

McNeese State University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 67.6%. The university has a student population of 4,846. The retention rate is 70.8%, and the graduation rate is 49.4%. The median debt for students is $23,000, and 30.9% of students receive financial aid.

The in-state tuition at McNeese State University is $8,460. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $43,129. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $38,713, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $46,453.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$43k

1 YEAR

$39k

5 YEARS

$46k

10 YEARS

Top 75% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, McNeese State University alumni earn a median of $43,129. Five years after graduation, median earnings decrease to $38,713. Ten years after graduation, median earnings increase to $46,453. The median debt for graduates is $23,000.

McNeese State University has a 67.6% acceptance rate and a 49.4% graduation rate. The retention rate is 70.8%. The in-state tuition is $8,460. A total of 30.9% of students receive financial aid.