McNeese vs. Southern University and A & M College

Comparable Facts

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

Southern University and A & M College is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (7,452 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Southern University and A & M College is in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; Southern University and A & M College 21:1.

McNeese vs. Southern University and A & M College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College ($12,430 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 24.7% lower than at McNeese State University ($8,018 vs. $10,644).
• Southern University and A & M College is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $1,433 more per year; $9,922.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.9% higher at Southern University and A & M College than at McNeese State University (about $7,283 more per year; $17,272.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at McNeese State University (90% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McNeese State University students is 21.4% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($9,649 vs. $7,945).

McNeese vs. Southern University and A & M College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McNeese or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College and McNeese.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is 160 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming McNeese students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Southern University and A & M College 790/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Southern University and A & M College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Southern University and A & M College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McNeese students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• McNeese has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College.

McNeese vs. Southern University and A & M College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Southern University and A & M College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $10,512 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($20,238 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($209 vs. $317).
• More McNeese graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 25%)

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.