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McNeese State University vs University of Holy Cross

McNeese State University is a public university in Lake Charles, LA, and University of Holy Cross is a private university in New Orleans, LA. University of Holy Cross is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 78% at McNeese State University. McNeese State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,493 a year against $15,635 at University of Holy Cross. About 49% of students graduate at McNeese State University, compared with 42% at University of Holy Cross. Ten years after enrolling, University of Holy Cross alumni earn a median of about $49,316, against $46,453 for McNeese State University.

McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA · Public

University of Holy Cross

New Orleans, LA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lake Charles, LA
New Orleans, LA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,005
471
Acceptance rate
78%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1198
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–23
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,493
$15,635
Full cost / yr
$22,810
$27,541
In-state tuition
$8,489
$16,576
Out-of-state tuition
$9,989
$16,576
Application fee
$20
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,482
$14,202
$30k - $48k
$11,067
$15,215
$48k - $75k
$11,640
$15,314
$75k - $110k
$16,190
$19,073
Over $110k
$18,250
$16,087
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
42%
Freshman retention
68%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,713
$46,296
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,453
$49,316
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$26,995
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
28%
First-generation students
38%
49%
International students
7%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 24

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is McNeese State University or University of Holy Cross harder to get into?
University of Holy Cross is harder to get into. It admits about 74% of applicants, compared with 78% at McNeese State University. 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 University of Holy Cross?
McNeese State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,493 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,635 at University of Holy Cross. 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 University of Holy Cross?
Before aid, McNeese State University costs about $22,810 a year and University of Holy Cross about $27,541. 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 University of Holy Cross?
McNeese State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,482 there, against about $14,202 at University of Holy Cross. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, McNeese State University or University of Holy Cross?
McNeese State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,005 undergraduates against 471 at University of Holy Cross.
Does McNeese State University or University of Holy Cross have a better graduation rate?
McNeese State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 42% at University of Holy Cross.
Do graduates of McNeese State University or University of Holy Cross earn more?
University of Holy Cross alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,316 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 University of Holy Cross require SAT or ACT scores?
McNeese State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Holy Cross is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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