Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Lake Charles, Louisiana |
| Online | mcneese.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
McNeese State University occupies a 375-acre main campus in Lake Charles, Louisiana, positioned in the southwestern region of the state approximately 30 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1939 as Lake Charles Junior College, the institution achieved university status in 1970 and maintains a suburban campus setting characterized by brick buildings and live oak trees. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across six academic colleges, with notable strengths in engineering, nursing, business, and agricultural sciences. McNeese State competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Cowboys and Cowgirls in the Southland Conference, with football played at Cowboy Stadium on campus. The university provides on-campus housing through several residence halls and apartment complexes that accommodate both traditional and non-traditional students.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
McNeese is rated within the lower 35% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for McNeese State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#882 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#345 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Louisiana
#7 in Best Public Colleges in Louisiana
#20 in Best Value Colleges in Louisiana
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 810/1120 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.36 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Louisiana Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Other Fees | $3,313 |
| Room and Board | $10,596 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,924 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,280 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Other Fees | $3,313 |
| Room and Board | $10,596 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,924 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,780 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 22% |
| Health Professions | 17% |
| Business | 13% |
| Education | 9% |
| Engineering | 5% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about McNeese State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=159717 IPEDS survey data for McNeese State University.
Current students may use the McNeese State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025