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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at McNeese State University typically demonstrate solid academic preparation across standardized testing measures. SAT scores range from 810 at the 25th percentile to 1,120 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1,080. Most admitted students score between 810 and 1,120 on the SAT, placing them well above national averages. SAT Math scores range from 380 to 560, while SAT Verbal scores span 430 to 560, indicating balanced performance across both sections. ACT scores range from 18 to 24, with a median of 22, reflecting similar academic preparation levels. These test score ranges place McNeese State in the 88.0th percentile nationally for SAT performance and 89.0th percentile for ACT performance, indicating that admitted students demonstrate well above average academic preparation. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1,090, McNeese State admits students with slightly lower test scores by 10 points, though this difference remains within typical measurement variability. Students scoring below 810 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT should expect to face greater competitive pressure in the admission process, while those scoring within the middle 50% range can consider themselves academically competitive. Students should view these ranges as indicators of typical admitted student preparation rather than strict cutoffs, as admission decisions consider multiple factors beyond test scores.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
McNeese State University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects the institution's commitment to broad educational access. The university serves 31.1% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly one-third of enrolled students come from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 38.5% of the student body, demonstrating significant representation of students whose parents did not complete four-year degrees. Transfer students represent 22.0% of enrollment, showing the university's openness to students beginning their higher education journeys at other institutions. This composition indicates that McNeese State actively enrolls students from varied economic and educational backgrounds while maintaining its moderately selective admission standards. The substantial representation of first-generation and Pell-eligible students suggests the university values economic diversity and educational opportunity alongside academic preparation. This student profile reflects McNeese State's role as a regional comprehensive university that serves both traditional college-bound students and those who might be the first in their families to pursue higher education. Prospective students from similar backgrounds should find meaningful peer communities at McNeese State, while those from more privileged backgrounds will encounter diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the educational environment.
With McNeese State's 67.5% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants gain admission, but students seeking alternatives should consider these options with different admission profiles or geographic advantages.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at McNeese State University experience varied success rates depending on their backgrounds and preparation levels. Overall, 70.8% of freshmen return for their sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%, indicating retention slightly below typical regional comprehensive universities. The six-year graduation rate reaches 52.0%, compared to a peer median of 49.3%, showing completion rates above peer institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at 42.8%, creating a 9.2 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate of 52.0%. This completion gap suggests that lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though the university's overall graduation rate exceeds peer performance. The retention and completion data indicate that students who gain admission can expect institutional support for degree completion, though success varies by student background and preparation. Lower-income students should carefully consider the Pell completion gap when evaluating institutional fit, while recognizing that McNeese State outperforms peer institutions on overall graduation metrics. Students should expect that academic preparation, financial stability, and engagement with campus resources significantly influence their likelihood of successful degree completion. The university's above-peer graduation performance suggests effective institutional support systems, though individual student outcomes depend on multiple personal and academic factors.
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