McNeese vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

McNeese State University is larger than Westfield State University based on total student enrollment (6,241 students vs. 4,588 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McNeese State University 20:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

McNeese vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese or Westfield State 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 Westfield State University ($12,430 vs. $17,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 24.1% lower than at Westfield State University ($10,644 vs. $14,018).
• Westfield State University is 43.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $3,690 more per year; $12,179.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.8% higher at Westfield State University than at McNeese State University (about $8,270 more per year; $18,259.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westfield State University than at McNeese State University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McNeese State University students is 6.6% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($9,649 vs. $9,054).

McNeese vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (1090) is 20 points higher than at McNeese (1070).
• Incoming McNeese students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Westfield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Westfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Westfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McNeese students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Westfield State University (3.3).
• Westfield State University has a higher acceptance rate (81.4%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

McNeese vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese and Westfield State 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from Westfield State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than McNeese graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $2,512 lower median loan debt than Westfield State University graduates ($20,238 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westfield State University graduates ($209 vs. $235).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.