Mcneese State University

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.

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.