McNeese State University
McNeese
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — excellent value
McNeese State University is a public institution in Lake Charles with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1080, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.8K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
52% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,453 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,257.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Cowboys
History & Fun Facts
- •McNeese State University was founded in 1939 as a division of Louisiana State University and was originally called Lake Charles Junior College.
- •It offered only the first two years of higher education.
- •McNeese opened its doors on an 86-acre (35 ha) tract donated by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the parish governing board.
- •The name became John McNeese Junior College in 1940 by resolution of the University Board of Supervisors in honor of Imperial Calcasieu Parish's first superintendent of schools.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1080
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
69.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-6.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,000
Programs (66)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
71%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
36
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from LA state average + city premium