McNeese vs. Alcorn State University

Comparable Facts

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

McNeese State University is larger than Alcorn State University based on total student enrollment (6,241 students vs. 2,995 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Alcorn State University is in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; Alcorn State University 16:1.

McNeese vs. Alcorn State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Alcorn State University? 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 Alcorn State University than McNeese ($12,376 vs. $12,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 12.8% lower than at Alcorn State University ($10,644 vs. $12,204).
• Alcorn State University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $296 more per year; $8,785.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.7% higher at McNeese than at Alcorn State University (about $1,204 more per year; $9,989.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alcorn State University than at McNeese State University (94% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alcorn State University students is 17.9% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($11,375 vs. $9,649).

McNeese vs. Alcorn State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McNeese or Alcorn State University? 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 Alcorn State University and McNeese.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is 240 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming McNeese students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Alcorn State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Alcorn State University 670/998.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Alcorn State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Alcorn State University - Required.
• Accepted freshman McNeese students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Alcorn State University (3.2).
• McNeese has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 20.6% at Alcorn State University.

McNeese vs. Alcorn State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Alcorn State University? 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).

• McNeese State University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Alcorn State University's (33%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Alcorn State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $8,012 lower median loan debt than Alcorn State University graduates ($20,238 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alcorn State University graduates ($209 vs. $292).
• More McNeese graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alcorn State University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 34%)

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.