McNeese State University, founded in 1939, is a public university in Lake Charles, Louisiana, known for its engineering, nursing, and agricultural programs. The 448-acre campus features modern facilities including the new William J. Dor?, Sr. School of Agricultural Sciences. McNeese serves as a cultural and economic hub for southwest Louisiana.
With its 'Whatever It Takes' philosophy, McNeese provides practical, career-focused education with numerous undergraduate research opportunities. The university's strong industry partnerships ensure graduates are prepared for careers in energy, healthcare, and other regional growth sectors.
McNeese State University Acceptance Rate
McNeese State University (McNeese) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 71.24%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
McNeese State University Admission Requirements
McNeese GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at McNeese is 3.36. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.06 and 3.36, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
McNeese GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at McNeese utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.36, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.36 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.16 – 3.35 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.96 – 3.15 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.95 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At McNeese, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
McNeese State University (McNeese) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
McNeese State University Average SAT Score: 1089
The average SAT score of the admitted students at McNeese State University is 1089 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1089 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1180 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. McNeese State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 970, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to McNeese. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 520 | 470 | 570 |
| SAT Composite | 1089 | 970 | 1180 |
It means that if you have scored less than 970 then you are below most of the admitted students at McNeese and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1180 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into McNeese State University (McNeese) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at McNeese State University (McNeese) are good but the admission staff at McNeese tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
McNeese State University (McNeese) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at McNeese is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes McNeese State University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 17 | 23 |
| ACT English | 21 | 18 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 24 |
Can I get into McNeese State University with a 24 ACT?
With a 24 ACT Score, your chances of admission at McNeese State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 21.McNeese Profile
Name: McNeese State University (McNeese)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from McNeese Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at McNeese State University is USD: 20355. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at McNeese State University is USD: 10768
How can I get a scholarship?
30.94% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 39.75 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to McNeese and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At McNeese State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist McNeese as your choice in the form.
How much a McNeese Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 46453. An average McNeese graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than McNeese State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1079 | 22 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as McNeese State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than McNeese State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
| William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agriculture, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About McNeese State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46453 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20355 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of McNeese State University is 71.24 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.36. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.06, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.06, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.06 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.96 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to McNeese State University if my GPA is below 2.96
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.36, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to McNeese State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1089 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 970-1180
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by McNeese State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.