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 gives you a low-cost degree with a modest payoff. At a net price near $11,000 a year and median debt of $23,000, you're not taking on much risk in dollar terms. But the median earnings ten years out sit around $46,000, so the return is steady, not high. This is a school that works if you keep costs low and pick the right major.
Engineering is the clear winner here, paying close to $70,000 and out-earning nursing by more than $11,000. Nursing is the second-strongest bet and fits the healthcare demand around Lake Charles. Clinical lab science and computer science land in the high-$40,000s, which beats the school median but not by a wide margin. Teacher education pays about $46,600, roughly the campus median, so a teaching degree here pays your loans but won't build wealth. If you're aiming for a program outside these five, you have no earnings data to lean on, and that's a real gamble.
The biggest risk is finishing. Only about half of students graduate, and roughly 29% don't return after year one. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and at McNeese that outcome is common. The engineering payoff also comes with the highest debt of any program listed, near $25,500.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,200 to $8,400, well below the sticker average. Above $110,000, you pay over $17,000, more than double the lowest tier. McNeese is a strong financial fit if you come from a lower-income Louisiana household and target engineering or nursing. If you're paying the top tier for an undecided major, look harder at whether you'll finish and what you'll earn.
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.