At $11,257/yr net price, McNeese State University graduates earn $46,453/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,453/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,257 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,453/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,453/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,431/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,219/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,263/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,353/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,328/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
52.0% of students at McNeese State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
McNeese State University delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with nursing and engineering leading the pack while liberal arts degrees struggle to justify their costs.
Your best financial bet is nursing, where graduates earn up to $96,345 annually despite higher debt loads around $40,000. Engineering majors also see strong returns at $69,338, making the $25,554 in typical debt manageable. Business administration rounds out the profitable programs with $61,814 in median earnings.
The school's main financial weakness is its 52% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students take on debt without finishing their degree. The 71% retention rate suggests many students realize early that McNeese might not be the right fit. These completion rates create significant financial risk if you're not fully committed to finishing.
McNeese works best financially for Louisiana residents pursuing nursing or engineering who want to stay in the region. The $11,257 net price makes it affordable compared to private alternatives, and the local job market in petrochemicals and healthcare supports these graduates well.
You should look elsewhere if you're planning to study liberal arts or if you need a more supportive academic environment to ensure graduation. The relatively low retention rate suggests the school may not provide enough student support for struggling learners.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, which is unusually low for a public university. This means you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for need-based aid. Merit scholarships exist but aren't generous enough to dramatically change the cost structure for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McNeese State University worth the cost?
McNeese State University offers decent value with a low net price of $11,257 annually and manageable debt levels around $23,000. However, the 10-year median earnings of $46,453 are below national averages, and the 52% graduation rate indicates many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at McNeese State University?
Nursing programs at McNeese State lead earnings potential, with some graduates earning over $96,000 annually. Engineering graduates average around $69,000, while business majors typically earn about $62,000 after graduation.
How much debt do McNeese State University graduates have?
McNeese State graduates leave with a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. The low annual cost helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does McNeese State University have good job placement after graduation?
With a 52% graduation rate, many McNeese State students struggle to complete their degrees, which hurts job prospects. Those who do graduate and enter nursing or engineering fields tend to find better employment outcomes than other majors.