McNeese State University vs Northwestern State University of Louisiana
McNeese State University is a public university in Lake Charles, LA. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public university in Natchitoches, LA. McNeese State University admits about 78% of applicants and Northwestern State University of Louisiana about 93%, making McNeese State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,493 a year at McNeese State University after aid, and about $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. About 49% of students graduate at McNeese State University, compared with 44% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern State University of Louisiana alumni earn a median of about $47,021, against $46,453 for McNeese State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Lake Charles, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,005
5,519
Acceptance rate
78%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.17–3.67
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1198
866–1163
ACT (middle 50%)
18–23
18–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,493
$13,606
Full cost / yr
$22,810
$25,431
In-state tuition
$8,489
$8,864
Out-of-state tuition
$9,989
$19,652
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,482
$11,693
$30k - $48k
$11,067
$12,261
$48k - $75k
$11,640
$12,549
$75k - $110k
$16,190
$17,777
Over $110k
$18,250
$19,077
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
44%
Freshman retention
68%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,713
$39,485
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,453
$47,021
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
35%
First-generation students
38%
42%
International students
7%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is McNeese State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana harder to get into?
- McNeese State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 93% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, McNeese State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
- McNeese State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,493 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at McNeese State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
- Before aid, McNeese State University costs about $22,810 a year and Northwestern State University of Louisiana about $25,431. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, McNeese State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
- McNeese State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,482 there, against about $11,693 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, McNeese State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana is the larger of the two, with about 5,519 undergraduates against 5,005 at McNeese State University.
- Does McNeese State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana have a better graduation rate?
- McNeese State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 44% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
- Do graduates of McNeese State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn more?
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,021 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,453 for McNeese State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do McNeese State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana require SAT or ACT scores?
- McNeese State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do McNeese State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1198 at McNeese State University and 866–1163 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
McNeese State University vs Tulane University of LouisianaMcNeese State University vs Southern University and A & M CollegeMcNeese State University vs University of Louisiana at MonroeNorthwestern State University of Louisiana vs Tulane University of LouisianaNorthwestern State University of Louisiana vs Southern University and A & M CollegeNorthwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of Louisiana at Monroe
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school