McNeese State University
McNeese State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
McNeese State University at a Glance
McNeese State University is a public university in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 1939 as Lake Charles Junior College, it was renamed McNeese Junior College after John McNeese, an early local educator. The present name was adopted in 1970. McNeese is part of the University of Louisiana System and is classified as a Master's University. The university consists of six colleges and the Doré School of Graduate Studies. McNeese is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges…
1939
87 years old
6,556
6,055 undergrad · 501 grad
121 acres
Identity
Is McNeese State University Worth It?
McNeese State University offers moderate value at $12,493/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $46,453, which is 14% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $23,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How McNeese State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #52 of 164 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #52 | McNeese State University | 46 | $12,493 | $46,453 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of McNeese State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in LA.
Best Programs at McNeese State University
The highest-earning program at McNeese State University is Engineering, General at $65,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $21,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Engineering, General graduate from McNeese State University earns $65,900, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $21,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Engineering, General graduates carry $18,683 in median debt vs. $21,250 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,493/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General | $65,900 | $65,900 | $18,683 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,200 | $57,200 | $21,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $40,800 | $40,800 | $22,219 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,900 | $37,900 | $17,813 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $36,400 | $36,400 | $18,373 |
| Agriculture, General | $34,900 | $34,900 | $17,562 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $33,800 | $33,800 | $23,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $31,700 | $31,700 | $21,243 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,500 | $30,500 | $22,437 |
| Sociology | $29,800 | $29,800 | $26,905 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,900 | $28,900 | $23,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,600 | $27,600 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General | $23,800 | $23,800 | $22,856 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $21,200 | $21,200 | $21,250 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Lake Charles, LA
- Student Body
- 5,005 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,493
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,453
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000