LSU vs. McNeese

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); McNeese State University is in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; McNeese State University 20:1.

LSU vs. McNeese Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or McNeese? 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 LSU ($12,430 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 29.7% lower than at Louisiana State University ($10,644 vs. $15,142).
• Louisiana State University is 40.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $3,465 more per year; $11,954.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 186.6% higher at LSU than at McNeese State University (about $18,642 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University as at McNeese State University (88% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 46.1% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($14,094 vs. $9,649).

LSU vs. McNeese Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU or McNeese? 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 McNeese and LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 190 points higher than at McNeese (1070).
• Incoming LSU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at McNeese).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; McNeese State University 940/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; McNeese State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; McNeese - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• McNeese has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 38.2% at McNeese.

LSU vs. McNeese Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and McNeese? 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).

• Louisiana State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than McNeese graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $662 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($20,238 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($209 vs. $216).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.