McNeese vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

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

Tarleton State University is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

McNeese vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton ($12,430 vs. $16,159).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 2.5% lower than at Tarleton State University ($10,644 vs. $10,920).
• McNeese State University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $187 more per year; $8,489.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.6% higher at Tarleton than at McNeese State University (about $8,153 more per year; $18,142.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tarleton State University than at McNeese State University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McNeese State University students is 21.7% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($9,649 vs. $7,929).

McNeese vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is the same as at Tarleton (1070).
• Incoming Tarleton 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; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McNeese students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• Tarleton has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

McNeese vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Tarleton? 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).

• Tarleton State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State 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, Tarleton State University graduates have a $488 lower median loan debt than McNeese graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,238).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McNeese graduates ($204 vs. $209).
• More Tarleton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.