Campus Identity
McNeese State University is a mid-size public university in Lake Charles, LA. Approximately 5,005 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 78% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Mud Lake, just 8 miles from the water. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 69/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Follow Along
@mcneese
Follow on Instagram
@mcneese
Follow on X (Twitter)
At a Glance
McNeese State University is a mid-size public university in Lake Charles, LA. Approximately 5,005 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 78% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Mud Lake, just 8 miles from the water. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 69/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
McNeese State University is a 5,000–9,999, urban school. The campus is 595 miles from Hidden Valley Ski Area.
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Urban setting
Weather
Hot Climate
65°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
McNeese State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Hidden Valley Ski Area, 595 miles away with 7 lifts and 30 skiable acres. All are within 787 miles of campus.
Missouri
Missouri
Illinois
Lake Life Campus
Mud Lake is 8 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving McNeese State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Mud Lake
Lake access within 8.1 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles has a warm climate, with winters averaging 53°F in Jan and summers peaking around 84°F in Aug.
Station: LAKE CHARLES REGIONAL Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
McNeese State University in LA earns a composite safety score of 69/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,489 | $9,989 |
| Fees | $3,233 | $3,233 |
| Room & Board | $11,150 | $11,150 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $22,872 | $24,372 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
69 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McNeese State University located?
McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA. The main campus address is 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at McNeese State University?
McNeese State University has an acceptance rate of 78%, making it accessible. Out of 3,902 applicants, 3,054 were admitted in the most recent year. 5,005 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for McNeese State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at McNeese State University scored between 18 and 23 on the ACT, with a median of 21. About 86% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend McNeese State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, McNeese State University charges $8,489/year for in-state students and $9,989/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($11,150/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $16,418/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,493/year — what students actually pay. Use McNeese State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for McNeese State University?
The undergraduate application fee at McNeese State University is $20. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Is McNeese State University the right fit for me?
Whether McNeese State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (78% admit rate), avg net price ($12,493/year after aid), campus culture in Lake Charles, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh McNeese State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with McNeese State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Lake Charles, LA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Hot · 65°F avg
- App Fee
- $20
- On Campus Safety Score
- 69/100
- Nearest Airport
- Lake Charles, LA (LCH) · 4 mialso DRI (46 mi), BPT (51 mi)
Location
Lake Charles, LA