# McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/mcneese-state-university

McNeese State University is a public college in Lake Charles, LA with 5,005 undergraduates. It admits 78% of applicants, and admitted students average 1087 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $11,228 per year ($9,708 for families earning under $30,000). 47% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $50,152 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 78% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 3,294 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 2,225 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 490–610 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 450–588 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 18–23 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $21,410 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $11,228 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $9,708 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $8,834 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $9,793 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $12,797 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $17,205 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 5,005 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 47% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $50,152 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,383 (FY2024) |

## What McNeese State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is McNeese State University's acceptance rate?**

McNeese State University admits 78% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for McNeese State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 490–610 on SAT Reading and Writing and 450–588 on SAT Math; the average total is 1087.

**What ACT score do you need for McNeese State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 18–23.

**Is McNeese State University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to McNeese State University?**

In Fall 2023, 3,294 students applied to McNeese State University and 2,225 were admitted; 1,063 enrolled.

**Does McNeese State University consider legacy status?**

No. McNeese State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does McNeese State University require an essay?**

McNeese State University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does McNeese State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $21,410 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $11,228.

**What is McNeese State University's graduation rate?**

47% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 159717. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology