Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Retention Rate
- 70.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,453
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,345 | $40,664 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $25,554 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,814 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,104 | $23,011 |
| 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 | $35,378 |
| Chemistry. | Master | $44,384 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,240 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $42,123 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,680 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,295 | $22,316 |
Outcomes Overview
McNeese graduates earn a median salary of $46,453 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 49%. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume about 6% of typical graduate income. The university's strong programs in engineering, education, and agriculture align well with southwest Louisiana's industrial economy, particularly petrochemical plants and refineries in the Lake Charles area. The 95.8% employment rate reflects solid job market connections. However, the relatively modest salary levels compared to the $23,000 median debt burden suggest graduates may need time to see substantial financial returns. Given the affordable tuition and regional job opportunities, McNeese offers an average return on investment for students planning to stay in Louisiana.