McNeese vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

McNeese vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Memphis? 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 Memphis ($12,430 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 6.2% lower than at University of Memphis ($10,644 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 26.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $2,239 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54% higher at Memphis than at McNeese State University (about $5,395 more per year; $15,384.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at McNeese State University (92% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 22.2% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($11,793 vs. $9,649).

McNeese vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Memphis 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; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• McNeese has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

McNeese vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Memphis? 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).

• University of Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $5,012 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($20,238 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($209 vs. $261).
• More McNeese graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 37%)

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.