McNeese State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarships for 2025–26
- Out-of-state tuition waivers and Honors Program perks
- Key deadlines and test-optional details
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 940–1210
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.2–3.8
Source: McNeese State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
McNeese State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 19, 2025
McNeese State University is one of Louisiana’s most affordable public universities—and one of the most transparent with merit aid. Students with solid GPAs automatically qualify for scholarships up to $8,000 per year, while high achievers can compete for the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
The university’s test-optional admissions policy and automatic out-of-state fee waivers make McNeese a strong value for both in-state and regional students seeking a personal, affordable college experience.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — McNeese State University is test-optional through 2026 and uses GPA for scholarship eligibility if no scores are submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–25; SAT: 940–1210 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $11,257/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — McNeese automatically grants out-of-state fee waivers for qualifying nonresident students.
Admissions (Undergraduate) – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/
Scholarships & Financial Aid – https://www.mcneese.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Out-of-State Fee Waiver – https://www.mcneese.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Honors College – https://www.mcneese.edu/honors/
Common Data Set – https://www.mcneese.edu/ir/cds/
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159647-McNeese-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at McNeese State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $9,448 | $10,448 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus avg.) | $10,500 | $10,500 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,385 | $1,385 |
| Transportation | $3,650 | $3,650 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,666 | $2,666 |
| Total (est.) | $27,649 | $28,649 |
Cost & Reciprocity FAQ
Who qualifies for the Academic Common Market?
Students from SREB states whose chosen major is not offered at a public university in their home state and is listed in the ACM inventory.
How much can families save?
At McNeese, ACM eligibility can reduce tuition by about $1,000 per year compared to the out-of-state sticker price, plus potential savings on program-specific fees.
Do I have to apply?
Yes. Families must apply through their state’s ACM coordinator and meet all deadlines. Acceptance is not automatic.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
McNeese State awards automatic merit scholarships to admitted freshmen who meet published GPA and ACT/SAT requirements. Awards are based on your best 6-semester GPA (through junior year) and your highest single-date ACT or SAT score received by March 31. Housing awards apply only to students living on campus. No separate scholarship application is needed—just apply for admission by the priority date.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Award | $9,000 ($5,000 fees/books + $4,000 housing) | ACT 30–36 or SAT 1360–1600, GPA 3.25+ | No | Yes — 12+ credits/term & specified GPA (up to 8 semesters) | Top-tier academics (ACT 30+ and strong GPA), must live on campus for full award | Dec 15 (admission); Mar 31 (test score) |
| University Scholars Award – High Tier (3.50+ GPA) | $8,000 ($4,000 fees/books + $4,000 housing) | ACT 27–29 or SAT 1260–1350, GPA 3.50+ | No | Yes — 12+ credits/term & specified GPA (up to 8 semesters) | High ACT (27–29) and high GPA (3.50+) | Dec 15 / Mar 31 |
| University Scholars Award – Standard Tier (3.25–3.49 GPA) | $7,500 ($3,500 fees/books + $4,000 housing) | ACT 27–29 or SAT 1260–1350, GPA 3.25–3.49 | No | Yes — 12+ credits/term & specified GPA (up to 8 semesters) | Solid academics, must live on campus for housing portion | Dec 15 / Mar 31 |
| John McNeese Award – High Tier (3.50+ GPA) | $5,500 ($1,750 fees/books + $3,750 housing) | ACT 24–26 or SAT 1160–1250, GPA 3.50+ | No | Yes — 12+ credits/term & specified GPA (up to 8 semesters) | ACT middle range students (24–26) with higher GPA (3.5+) | Dec 15 / Mar 31 |
| John McNeese Award – Standard Tier (3.25–3.49 GPA) | $5,000 ($1,500 fees/books + $3,500 housing) | ACT 24–26 or SAT 1160–1250, GPA 3.25–3.49 | No | Yes — 12+ credits/term & specified GPA (up to 8 semesters) | ACT mid-20s plus a B+ GPA | Dec 15 / Mar 31 |
| Academic Excellence Award | $3,500 ($2,000 fees/books + $1,500 housing) | ACT 21–23 or SAT 1060–1150, GPA 3.50+ | No | Yes — 12+ credits/term & specified GPA (up to 8 semesters) | ACT 21–23 but stronger GPA (3.5+) | Dec 15 / Mar 31 |
Notes: No superscore—only the best single test date counts. Only on-campus residents get the housing portion. Awards are renewable up to 8 semesters; priority admission deadline is December 15, and the March 31 test-score cutoff is firm.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No; all admitted students are considered automatically if materials are on file by the deadlines.
Can these stack with other aid? Housing awards only stack if on-campus; other institutional scholarships or waivers may have limitations—confirm with Scholarships.
Does McNeese superscore? No—use your highest ACT/SAT composite from a single date.
What deadlines matter? Admission/app materials by Dec 15; final test scores by Mar 31 to lock in highest award.
McNeese Freshman Scholarships – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/scholarships/
2025–26 Scholarship Grid – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Priority Deadlines – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/
Catalog Award Policy – https://catalog.mcneese.edu/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities set aside large, highly selective scholarships that require essays, interviews, or portfolios. McNeese State does not currently advertise any major university-wide competitive scholarships of that type for incoming freshmen.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No major competitive scholarships are currently listed for freshmen at McNeese State University. | |||||
Note: McNeese does participate in many smaller awards (such as regional or donor-funded scholarships), which we’ve included in the Hidden Gems section.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Does McNeese offer full-ride competitive scholarships?
No. Unlike some universities, McNeese does not list large, essay- or interview-based full-ride competitions for freshmen.
Where should I look for additional selective funding?
Check the Hidden Gems section for donor, foundation, and talent-based scholarships that require extra steps.
Can National Merit Finalists receive funding here?
McNeese does not appear on the official National Merit partner list. If you qualify, contact the Office of Scholarships to ask about institutional recognition.
What about Stamps Scholarships?
McNeese is not a Stamps partner school. Families should not expect this level of national award here.
Official Freshman Scholarships – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Scholarship Policy Grid – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Donor & Department Awards – https://www.mcneese.edu/student-central/scholarships/
Catalog Award Policy – https://catalog.mcneese.edu/
🎖️ Honors College
The McNeese Honors College is designed for high-achieving students who want more than just a standard degree. Admission is selective, but it comes with smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and extra recognition that can make graduate school or job applications stand out.
High school GPA of 3.4+, ACT 27+ (SAT 1260+), challenging coursework, strong recommendations, and a record of leadership or service.
- Priority class registration
- Small seminar-style courses and faculty mentorship
- Dedicated Honors Lounge and community space
- Transcript and diploma Honors designation
- Opportunities for undergraduate research and thesis projects
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarship | Partial tuition & fees Partial room & board Up to $1,200/yr for books |
Incoming freshmen admitted to the McNeese Honors College: GPA 3.40+, ACT 27+ (SAT 1260+), essay, interview, and recommendations required |
Yes — via Honors College application | Yes — up to 4 years with continued good standing and Honors participation | Students with strong academics who complete all application requirements (essay, interview, recommendations) | Priority Dec 15 (aligns with general scholarship deadline) |
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA and test score?
No. Admission requires an application, essay, recommendations, and an interview in addition to strong academics.
Does the Honors College add time to my degree?
No. Honors coursework is built into the regular curriculum and can be completed within four years.
What deadlines should I know?
Priority consideration aligns with the freshman scholarship deadline (December 15). Students should apply early to secure their spot.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Yes. Honors College students may be considered for partial tuition/fee, room/board, and book support, all through the Honors application process.
Honors College – https://www.mcneese.edu/honors-college/
Honors College Scholarships – https://www.mcneese.edu/honors-college/honors-college-scholarships/
Scholarship Grid – https://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Academic Catalog – https://catalog.mcneese.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=24&poid=6201
⭐ College Specialty
Families sometimes overlook McNeese State because of its size, but this university has carved out a strong reputation in areas tied directly to Louisiana’s economy and workforce. From nationally recognized nursing outcomes to a federal LNG research hub, McNeese is known for producing graduates who land jobs in high-demand fields right in the region.
McNeese’s undergraduate nursing program has achieved multiple years of 100% NCLEX pass rates, putting it at the top statewide for licensure success and clinical preparation.
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Safety & Workforce Hub — Selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2025 as the national Center of Excellence for LNG Safety, cementing McNeese as a leader in energy workforce training and research.
- Engineering & Computer Science — Known regionally for hands-on labs and close ties to petrochemical and industrial employers along the Gulf Coast.
- Business — AACSB accredited, a distinction earned by less than 6% of business schools worldwide, signaling program quality and global recognition.