McNeese vs. BGSU

Comparable Facts

Compare McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA with Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowling Green State University Main Campus is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (17,594 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Bowling Green State University Main Campus is in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1.

McNeese vs. BGSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or BGSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at McNeese State University than BGSU ($12,430 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 26.6% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($10,644 vs. $14,508).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is 70.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $5,971 more per year; $14,460.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.7% higher at BGSU than at McNeese State University (about $12,459 more per year; $22,448.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus than at McNeese State University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McNeese State University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($9,649 vs. $9,310).

McNeese vs. BGSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McNeese or BGSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BGSU and McNeese.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (1110) is 40 points higher than at McNeese (1070).
• Incoming BGSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at McNeese).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); BGSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• BGSU has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 20.6% at BGSU.

McNeese vs. BGSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and BGSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $400 more per year than BGSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $5,762 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($20,238 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($209 vs. $268).
• More BGSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.