McNeese vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

McNeese State University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (6,241 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; Longwood University 15:1.

McNeese vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Longwood 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 McNeese State University than Longwood University ($12,430 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 38.9% lower than at Longwood University ($10,644 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 85.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $7,255 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 180.1% higher at Longwood University than at McNeese State University (about $17,989 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at McNeese State University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 44.6% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($13,954 vs. $9,649).

McNeese vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Longwood University (1120) is 50 points higher than at McNeese (1070).
• Incoming Longwood University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at McNeese).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 17% at Longwood University.

McNeese vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $4,762 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($20,238 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($209 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.