About McNeese State University
McNeese State University serves 4,846 students in Lake Charles, building careers in engineering, education, and agriculture across southwest Louisiana. The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in NCAA Division I athletics while maintaining strong ties to regional industries. Notable graduates include ESPN anchor Krystal Garner and NFL wide receiver D.J. Chark. The acceptance rate of 71% makes admission accessible for students with average SAT scores around 1075.
Students pay an average net price of $11,257 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $8,431. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,453 ten years after graduation. Student debt averages $23,000 with monthly payments of $244. The employment rate reaches 95.8%, reflecting strong job placement in Louisiana's industrial corridor. Out-of-state tuition costs only $1,500 more than in-state, making McNeese affordable for regional students.
Women make up 62% of the student body, while 88% of students come from Louisiana. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in a small city setting. About half of students graduate within six years, typical for regional universities serving first-generation college students. McNeese offers 376 student-athletes across 11 varsity sports with over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships.
Students pay an average net price of $11,257 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $8,431. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,453 ten years after graduation. Student debt averages $23,000 with monthly payments of $244. The employment rate reaches 95.8%, reflecting strong job placement in Louisiana's industrial corridor. Out-of-state tuition costs only $1,500 more than in-state, making McNeese affordable for regional students.
Women make up 62% of the student body, while 88% of students come from Louisiana. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in a small city setting. About half of students graduate within six years, typical for regional universities serving first-generation college students. McNeese offers 376 student-athletes across 11 varsity sports with over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
McNeese State focuses on practical programs that serve southwest Louisiana's industries. The university built its reputation around engineering, education, and agriculture programs that prepare students for regional careers. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students get moderate access to professors compared to larger state universities. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and school in this working-class region. Nearly 32% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. The engineering program stands out for producing graduates who often stay in Louisiana's petrochemical industry. Education majors frequently become teachers in local school districts after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Retention Rate
- 70.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,453
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,345 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,814 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,104 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,252 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $49,136 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,139 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $46,673 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $44,835 |
Campus Life
McNeese sits in Lake Charles, a refinery town about two hours west of Baton Rouge and 30 minutes from the Texas border. With housing capacity for just 1,037 students out of 4,846 total enrollment, most Cowboys and Cowgirls commute from nearby communities across southwest Louisiana. The 88% in-state population creates a tight-knit feel where everyone seems connected through high school networks or family ties.
Expect year-round humidity and pack sunscreen over winter coats. Students often gather at contraband Bayou for crawfish boils or head to the nearby casinos and Lake Charles waterfront. Football games draw decent crowds despite the team's recent struggles, and the rodeo team reflects the area's ranching heritage. With 61% women, the campus skews female, particularly in the strong education and nursing programs. Weekend options include Houston road trips or exploring the Gulf Coast beaches an hour south. The small-town Louisiana vibe means Greek life and campus traditions matter, but many students split time between campus and jobs in the petrochemical plants that dominate the local economy.
Expect year-round humidity and pack sunscreen over winter coats. Students often gather at contraband Bayou for crawfish boils or head to the nearby casinos and Lake Charles waterfront. Football games draw decent crowds despite the team's recent struggles, and the rodeo team reflects the area's ranching heritage. With 61% women, the campus skews female, particularly in the strong education and nursing programs. Weekend options include Houston road trips or exploring the Gulf Coast beaches an hour south. The small-town Louisiana vibe means Greek life and campus traditions matter, but many students split time between campus and jobs in the petrochemical plants that dominate the local economy.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,037 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1939
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–63°F
- July Avg
- 75°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 59.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
McNeese draws heavily from southwest Louisiana, with 88% of students staying close to home for their education. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing McNeese serves working-class families from the Lake Charles region. The Cowboys have built their reputation as an affordable option for local students seeking practical degrees in engineering, agriculture, and education. This regional focus creates a tight-knit campus where most students share Louisiana roots and similar backgrounds.
- Men
- 38.5%
- Women
- 61.5%
- White
- 64.3%
- Black
- 17.6%
- Hispanic
- 4.5%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 88.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.1%
Location
McNeese State University sits in Lake Charles, Louisiana, about 140 miles west of New Orleans and 130 miles east of Houston. The city of 78,000 people serves as the economic center of southwest Louisiana's petrochemical corridor. Lake Charles offers more urban amenities than typical college towns, with casinos, restaurants, and cultural venues downtown. The campus lies just minutes from Prien Lake and the Calcasieu River. About 88% of students come from within Louisiana, reflecting the university's strong regional ties. The area's industrial economy provides internship and job opportunities in engineering and related fields. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare McNeese State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,453
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,379
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at McNeese State University?
McNeese accepts 71% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a regional public university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 970-1180 on the SAT, which reflects the school's mission to serve a broad range of students in southwest Louisiana.
How much does McNeese State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,257 annually after aid, with in-state tuition at just $8,460. The school keeps costs accessible for working-class families, as 31% of students receive Pell Grants and the median student debt is a manageable $23,000.
What academic programs is McNeese State University known for?
McNeese built its reputation on strong engineering, education, and agriculture programs that serve the industrial and agricultural needs of southwest Louisiana. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, the university maintains close connections between professors and the 4,846 enrolled students.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at McNeese State University?
About 49% of students graduate within four years, while 52% finish within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,453 ten years after graduation, and the school boasts a 95.8% employment rate for recent graduates.
Where do most McNeese State University students come from and live?
The student body is 88% in-state, reflecting McNeese's role as a regional university serving Louisiana residents. With housing capacity for only 1,037 students out of 4,846 total enrollment, most students commute from the Lake Charles area.
Does McNeese State University compete in Division I athletics?
The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Southland Conference across 11 varsity sports. The athletic program awards $4.4 million in scholarships to 376 student-athletes, making sports a significant pathway for student financial support.
