McNeese vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

McNeese vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or NDSU? 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 NDSU ($12,430 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 6.7% lower than at McNeese State University ($9,928 vs. $10,644).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 30.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $2,621 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.8% higher at NDSU than at McNeese State University (about $5,775 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McNeese State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (88% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McNeese State University students is 50.6% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($9,649 vs. $6,409).

McNeese vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 20 points higher than at McNeese (1070).
• Incoming NDSU 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; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 32% at NDSU.

McNeese vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and NDSU? 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).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than McNeese graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $3,062 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($20,238 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($209 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.