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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,810 |
| Tuition and Fees | $9,989 |
| Room and Board | $10,644 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,353 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,317 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,493 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,482 |
| $30–48k | $11,067 |
| $48–75k | $11,640 |
| $75–110k | $16,190 |
| $110k+ | $18,250 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
McNeese State University students graduate with median debt of $23,000, nearly matching the peer median of $21,105 and resulting in modest additional borrowing of $1,895 compared to similar institutions. Student debt ranges from $5,168 at the 25th percentile to $23,588 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across the student body.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 indicates that graduates typically owe about half of their first-year post-graduation earnings, representing manageable debt levels for most career paths. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $10,108 with monthly payments of approximately $133, providing additional context for family educational financing.
McNeese State's debt levels rank in the 48th percentile nationally, indicating typical borrowing relative to other four-year institutions. The combination of moderate debt levels and controlled net prices suggests that most students can finance their McNeese State education without excessive borrowing that would compromise post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
McNeese State University delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $2,021 above predicted levels based on student demographics and program mix, ranking in the 63.7th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
With median debt of $23,000 compared to median earnings of $46,453, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 indicates sustainable borrowing levels for most graduates. The university's net price of $11,257 versus peer median of $14,093 provides $2,836 in cost savings while delivering comparable post-graduation outcomes.
McNeese State ranks among the top 50 institutions nationally for earnings beyond expectations, indicating effectiveness in supporting student success relative to incoming preparation. The combination of above average earnings uplift, manageable debt levels, and below-peer costs creates favorable conditions for positive return on investment, particularly for students in technical programs like Applied Engineering and professional fields like Nursing.
McNeese State University serves 31.1% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds who qualify for federal need-based aid. The university's average financial aid award of $9,911 represents nearly half of the total cost of attendance, demonstrating comprehensive support for enrolled students.
Net prices ranging from $8,219 for lower-income families to $17,328 for higher-income families reflect progressive aid targeting that supports economic diversity. The substantial gap between sticker price ($21,168) and average net price ($11,257) indicates that most families pay significantly less than published costs.
This aid distribution aligns with McNeese State's student composition, supporting both first-generation students (38.5%) and transfer students (22.0%) who may require additional financial support to complete their degrees.
