Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at McNeese State University vary significantly by field of study, with technical and professional programs typically delivering stronger earnings than liberal arts disciplines. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal data, not institutional reputation.
Analyzing 23 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment size at McNeese State University.
#5 nationally
$91K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Mcneese State University.
This group delivers exceptional outcomes at McNeese State University, with Applied Engineering ranking #4 nationally and #1 in Louisiana. Computer Science graduates earn $68,676 while Applied Engineering graduates achieve $91,074 median earnings, representing the strongest career outcomes across the institution.
Both programs demonstrate excellent value scores and rank well above national averages, making this cluster ideal for students prioritizing high earnings potential and strong return on investment in technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Engineering. | #5 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and employment outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings differences result from labor market demand, required skills, and career trajectory variations across fields. Programs with higher earnings typically require specialized technical skills, professional licensing, or serve industries with strong compensation growth. McNeese State University's program effectiveness varies significantly by field, with technical and professional programs generally outperforming liberal arts disciplines. Rankings consider cohort sizes to ensure reliable data, with programs serving fewer than 20 graduates excluded from analysis. These outcomes represent typical graduate experiences and individual results may vary based on career choices, location, and economic conditions. Students should use these data to inform major selection while considering personal interests, abilities, and career goals beyond financial metrics.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 94 |
| Computer Science. | #157 | $68,676 | — | 37 |
Business programs at McNeese State serve large student populations with varied outcomes depending on specialization. Business Administration graduates 104 students with moderate earnings of $41,879, while specialized programs like Banking and Financial Support Services produce higher earnings of $42,641.
Accounting Technology delivers stronger outcomes at $48,761 for smaller cohorts. This group works best for students seeking broad career flexibility with moderate earnings expectations across diverse business sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #255 | $48,761★ | — | 43 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #215 | $42,641 | — | 24 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #316 | $41,879 | — | 104 |
| Digital Marketing. | #216 | $40,923 | — | 28 |
Health programs show strong professional outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduating 105 students annually with median earnings of $66,112. Allied Health Diagnostic programs serve smaller cohorts but maintain solid earnings of $44,948.
These programs prepare students for immediate workforce entry in growing healthcare sectors, with nursing representing one of the university's flagship offerings. This group suits students seeking stable professional careers with clear licensing pathways and consistent employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #227 | $66,112★ | — | 105 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #69 | $49,136 | — | 14 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #86 | $44,948 | — | 22 |
Biology, General stands out with strong earnings of $58,995 and ranks #99 nationally, demonstrating excellent value with a score of 73.4 and #1 ranking in Louisiana. This program serves 30 graduates annually and represents one of the university's strongest academic offerings outside of engineering.
The program suits students interested in healthcare preparation, research careers, or graduate school continuation, with earnings well above typical life science programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #101 | $58,995 | — | 30 |
Applied/Public Sociology. leads social sciences & policy with 38K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #243 | $38,132★ | — | 20 |
| Psychology, General. | #316 | $36,536 | — | 38 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 31 students annually with earnings of $41,410, ranking #209 nationally but #2 in Louisiana. The program demonstrates solid regional performance despite moderate national ranking, with value score of 18.4.
This field works for students interested in media, public relations, or communication careers, though earnings remain moderate compared to technical fields. Students should consider this program for creative fulfillment rather than maximum financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #217 | $41,410 | — | 31 |
American History (United States). leads humanities & arts with 40K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | — | $39,729★ | — | 9 |
| General Studies. | #132 | $36,581 | — | 127 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #94 | $36,305 | — | 16 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 9 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #260 | $20,618 | — | 21 |
Adult and Continuing Education represents the education pathway, graduating 40 students annually with earnings of $40,789. While earnings are moderate, this program serves students interested in educational careers and community impact roles.
The program ranks #185 nationally with moderate value scores, reflecting typical outcomes for education majors. This track suits students prioritizing public service and educational impact over maximum earnings potential, with stable employment in educational institutions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | — | $47,601★ | — | 9 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #196 | $40,789 | — | 40 |
Agriculture, General delivers outstanding performance with national ranking of #13 and #1 in Louisiana, serving 60 graduates annually with median earnings of $43,463 and strong value score of 53.8. This program demonstrates McNeese State's effectiveness in specialized fields tied to regional economic strengths.
The program works well for students interested in agricultural business, farm management, or related technical careers with solid earning potential in rural and agricultural sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | #15 | $43,463 | — | 60 |
Corrections Administration serves 28 students annually with earnings of $37,391, ranking #184 nationally and #6 in Louisiana. This program provides preparation for law enforcement and corrections careers with moderate earnings expectations.
The field offers stable government employment opportunities but limited earnings growth compared to private sector alternatives. This program suits students committed to public safety careers and community service rather than maximizing income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #191 | $37,391 | — | 28 |
This category includes Exercise Science and Kinesiology, serving 66 graduates annually with earnings of $35,536, and General Studies, the university's largest program with 127 graduates earning $36,581. General Studies ranks as a top major at McNeese State and #5 in Louisiana, providing flexible preparation for diverse career paths.
These programs work best for students seeking broad preparation or uncertain about career direction, though earnings remain below specialized technical programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #184 | $35,536 | — | 66 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
