Overview
McNeese State University is a less selective public four-year institution in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The school accepts 71.2% of applicants and enrolls 4,846 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 71.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,075
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 970–1,180
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 4,846
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
McNeese State University uses a rolling admissions process, so you can apply anytime during the academic year, though applying early gives you better housing options and course selection. Submit your official high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, and complete the online application through the university's website.
Engineering and nursing programs require separate applications and have more competitive admission standards than the university overall. The nursing program has limited spots and fills quickly, so apply as early as possible if you're interested. Engineering students should have strong math backgrounds and may need to complete prerequisite courses.
Housing applications open in February for the following fall semester, and residence halls fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Living on campus your first year is recommended since Lake Charles has limited off-campus housing near the university. The campus sits about 30 minutes from the Gulf Coast, which means hurricane season can affect the academic calendar.
New students must attend orientation before registering for classes. These sessions happen throughout the summer and include academic advising and course registration. Bring your immunization records and be prepared to take placement tests if needed.
McNeese offers strong programs in education, with many graduates staying in Louisiana to teach. The university has partnerships with local petrochemical plants, which creates internship opportunities for engineering and chemistry students. Financial aid processing can take time, so submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $11,257/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $8,460
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $9,960
- Students Receiving Aid
- 31%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,453/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 70.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for McNeese State University?
McNeese State University requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 2.35 GPA on core courses. Students must also meet minimum ACT or SAT score requirements and complete specific high school coursework including English, math, science, and social studies.
Does McNeese State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, McNeese State University requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The university accepts scores from either test and does not have a preference between the two.
What is the application deadline for McNeese State University?
McNeese State University has rolling admissions with no specific deadline. However, students should apply early to secure housing and financial aid, with priority consideration given to applications submitted by March 1.
How do I transfer to McNeese State University?
Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous college and must be in good academic standing. Students with fewer than 18 credit hours must also meet freshman admission requirements including high school GPA and test scores.