McNeese State University combines accessible admission with above average outcomes across key institutional measures. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university ranks in the top 50 nationally for earnings above expectations while maintaining well above average affordability performance, supporting economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds.
Around the national average, reflecting typical outcomes relative to educational investment costs
With well above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and effective financial aid distribution
With above average results, indicating successful enrollment of diverse student populations including first-generation and Pell-eligible students
With above average performance, demonstrating effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement for students from various backgrounds
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMcNeese State University delivers strong return on investment through controlled costs and targeted program excellence. Graduates earn $46,453 ten years after enrollment, with earnings ranging from $26,345 at the 25th percentile to $71,043 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career pathways across the institution's 18 programs.
The university generates $2,021 in earnings beyond expectations, demonstrating effectiveness in supporting student success relative to incoming demographics and program mix. Median student debt remains manageable at $23,000, nearly identical to the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50.
Students seeking strong value in technical and professional fields at an accessible regional university. Particularly well-suited for first-generation students (38.5%) and those from lower-income backgrounds interested in programs like Applied Engineering, Nursing, and Agriculture where McNeese State delivers outcomes above expectations.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Mcneese State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/mcneese-state-university/analysis.
Well above average institutional performance
McNeese State University ranks #404 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, placing in the 75.2nd percentile with well above average overall performance. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this medium-sized public university maintains moderately selective admission with a 67.5% acceptance rate while serving diverse student populations including 31.1% Pell-eligible and 38.5% first-generation students.
McNeese State demonstrates above average mobility performance, ranking in the 71.5th percentile for converting educational access into economic advancement. Graduates earn $2,021 above expectations relative to similar students, ranking in the 63.7th percentile nationally for earnings beyond expectations.
With median earnings of $46,453 ten years after enrollment, McNeese State positions itself as an Opportunity Builder institution that combines accessibility with meaningful economic outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
McNeese State University's published cost of attendance is $21,168 annually, including $9,960 in out-of-state tuition ($8,460 for Louisiana residents), $10,596 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,257 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,911 or 47% off the sticker price.
This net price of $11,257 compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, making McNeese State $2,836 more affordable than similar regional comprehensive universities. The university's financial aid effectiveness places it in the 81.9th percentile nationally for affordability, reflecting well above average performance in controlling costs for students.
McNeese State's moderate sticker price combined with effective aid distribution creates accessible higher education opportunities for students across income levels. The $9,911 average aid award demonstrates substantial institutional and federal support for enrolled students.
This combination of controlled published costs and meaningful financial aid positions McNeese State as an affordable option within Louisiana's public higher education system.
McNeese State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression from early to mid-career phases. Median earnings increase from $38,713 six years after enrollment to $41,254 at eight years and $46,453 at ten years, representing 20.0% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on cohorts of 2,276 graduates at the ten-year mark, providing reliable data across the institution's program portfolio. Graduates earn $2,021 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing McNeese State in the 63.7th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $39,800, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $26,345 to $71,043, a 2.7:1 ratio reflecting differences in program selection and career trajectories.
Approximately 26.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pursuits.
McNeese State University admits 67.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places McNeese State in the Moderately Selective category, making it accessible to students with solid academic preparation while maintaining meaningful admission standards.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that McNeese State is somewhat more selective than typical regional public universities, accepting 17.0 percentage points fewer applicants than peer institutions. This selectivity level reflects the university's position as a regional comprehensive institution that balances accessibility with academic standards.
For students building college lists, McNeese State represents a viable option for those with above-average academic preparation, while students with weaker academic profiles should consider backup options with higher acceptance rates. The university's admission standards allow qualified students reasonable confidence in acceptance while ensuring incoming classes meet academic readiness expectations.
Students should approach McNeese State as a match or safety school rather than a reach, depending on their academic profile relative to the ranges below. This selectivity level supports the university's mission of serving diverse student populations while maintaining educational quality standards.
Applied Engineering.
94 graduates
Computer Science.
37 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
105 graduates
Biology, General.
30 graduates
Blood Bank Technology Specialist.
14 graduates
McNeese State University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Applied Engineering ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Louisiana, producing 94 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $91,074 and a value score of 76.9.
Adult Health Nursing ranks as a flagship program, graduating 105 students with median earnings of $66,112. Agriculture, General ranks #13 nationally and #1 in Louisiana, demonstrating strong performance in a specialized field with 60 graduates earning $43,463.
Business Administration and Management represents one of the university's largest programs with 104 graduates, while General Studies serves 127 students annually as the institution's most popular major. Computer Science graduates 37 students annually with strong earnings of $68,676, ranking #153 nationally and #4 in Louisiana, reflecting solid performance in a competitive field.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette Higher acceptance rate (21.3 percentage points higher) and located 72 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 89% | $47,089 | Compare |
Louisiana State University-Alexandria Higher acceptance rate (25.1 percentage points higher) and located 84 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 93% | $42,205 | Compare |
Lamar University Higher acceptance rate (18.2 percentage points higher) and located 52 miles away; similar graduate earnings | TX | 86% | $49,652 | Compare |
Southeastern Louisiana University Higher acceptance rate (26.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | LA | 94% | $46,482 | Compare |
Nicholls State University Higher acceptance rate (28.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | LA | 96% | $45,454 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Similar quality tier (#408 ranked) | CA | 99% | $47,626 | #408 | Compare |
University Of Michigan-Flint Similar quality tier (#406 ranked) | MI | 69% | $53,230 | #406 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Similar quality tier (#404 ranked) | WI | 90% | $52,021 | #404 | Compare |
Tennessee State University Similar quality tier (#403 ranked) | TN | 93% | $42,730 | #403 | Compare |
Suny Oneonta Similar quality tier (#412 ranked) | NY | 70% | $60,386 | #412 | Compare |