University of South Alabama vs. McNeese

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than McNeese based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 6,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); McNeese State University is in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McNeese State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; McNeese State University 20:1.

University of South Alabama vs. McNeese Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 McNeese State University than University of South Alabama ($12,430 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 6.4% lower than at University of South Alabama ($10,644 vs. $11,366).
• University of South Alabama is 19.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than McNeese (about $1,627 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $8,489.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.1% higher at University of South Alabama than at McNeese State University (about $9,103 more per year; $19,092.00 vs. $9,989.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at McNeese State University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McNeese State University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($9,649 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. McNeese Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 10 points higher than at McNeese (1070).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at McNeese).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; McNeese State University 940/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; McNeese State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; McNeese - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at McNeese (3.36).
• McNeese has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 38.2% at McNeese.

University of South Alabama vs. McNeese Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama 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).

• University of South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than McNeese graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McNeese State University graduates have a $4,262 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($20,238 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, McNeese graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($209 vs. $253).
• More McNeese graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 45%)

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.