Head-to-head · 2026
McNeese State University vs University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for McNeese State University, 4 for University of Louisiana at Lafayette — University of Louisiana at Lafayette has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | McNeese State University | University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.30 ✓ | 8.70 |
| Avg net price | $12,493 ✓ | $13,530 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,453 | $47,089 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 78.3% ✓ | 87% |
| Graduation rate | 47% | 52.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $22,902 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,005 | 12,428 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1087 | 1219 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Louisiana at Lafayette costs $1,037 more per year than McNeese State University ($13,530 vs $12,493). University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates report $636 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,089 vs $46,453). On EduGradify's model that puts McNeese State University ahead on projected ROI (9.30 vs 8.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (McNeese State University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, McNeese State University is accessible at 78.3% acceptance versus 87% (accessible) at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Frequently asked
McNeese State University vs University of Louisiana at Lafayette, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is McNeese State University or University of Louisiana at Lafayette the better value?
McNeese State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.30 vs 8.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
McNeese State University is cheaper — average net price $12,493 per year vs $13,530 at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The annual difference of $1,037 adds up to about $4,148 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,089 vs $46,453 at McNeese State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $636.
Which school is harder to get into?
McNeese State University is more selective at 78.3% acceptance vs 87% at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. McNeese State University reports a B value grade; University of Louisiana at Lafayette reports B.