McNeese vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; Lamar University 20:1.

McNeese vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Lamar 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 Lamar University than McNeese ($9,814 vs. $12,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 1.7% lower than at McNeese State University ($10,464 vs. $10,644).
• Lamar University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $416 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.7% higher at Lamar University than at McNeese State University (about $8,756 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at McNeese State University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 27.1% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($12,263 vs. $9,649).

McNeese vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McNeese or Lamar 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 Lamar University and McNeese.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at McNeese).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

McNeese vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Lamar 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 Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than McNeese graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $1,762 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($20,238 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($209 vs. $227).
• More McNeese graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 42%)

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.