McNeese State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Lake Charles, LA — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Lake Charles, LA San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 5,005 21,996
Acceptance Rate 78.3% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,087
In-State Tuition $8,489 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $9,989 $34,665
Avg Net Price $12,493 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $23,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 49.5% 85.7%
Retention Rate 68.4% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $38,713 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $46,453 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 249600.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do McNeese State University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) has an acceptance rate of 78.3%, in-state tuition of $8,489, and median 10-year earnings of $46,453. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, McNeese State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $46,453. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, McNeese State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), McNeese State University is the more affordable option at $12,493 per year versus $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 49.5%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025