NKU vs. McNeese

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); McNeese State University is in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; McNeese State University 20:1.

NKU vs. McNeese Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or McNeese? 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 Northern Kentucky University than McNeese ($9,211 vs. $12,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 16.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,644 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 30.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $2,599 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 119.4% higher at NKU than at McNeese State University (about $11,923 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at McNeese State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($10,332 vs. $9,649).

NKU vs. McNeese Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU 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: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; McNeese State University 940/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; McNeese State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; McNeese - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• McNeese has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 38.2% at McNeese.

NKU vs. McNeese Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and McNeese? 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).

• The graduation rate at NKU is the same as at McNeese State University (37% vs. 37%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $4,712 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,238 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($209 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.