
4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70605, USA


McNeese State University provides a range of athletic programs that compete at the NCAA Division I level, primarily as a member of the Southland Conference. The university supports a variety of men's and women's sports, allowing student-athletes multiple opportunities to participate and excel.
For men, McNeese features teams in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track and field. Women's athletics include basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf, and track and field. These programs emphasize development both on and off the field, fostering a competitive environment alongside academic success.
The university maintains athletic facilities that enable training, competition, and fan engagement. Facilities include venues for football, basketball, and baseball, along with fields and courts for other sports. These support the university's commitment to providing quality resources for its student-athletes.
Student-athletes at McNeese benefit from experienced coaching staffs and access to support services aimed at enhancing their academic and athletic performance. The programs aim to balance rigorous training with educational goals, preparing athletes for futures both in sports and beyond.
McNeese State University offers various student organizations that cater to diverse interests. Among these groups are the Student Government Association, which provides a platform for student representation and leadership, and the International Students Association, which supports the campus community of international students.
McNeese State University hosts a diverse student population characterized by a strong in-state presence, with 85% of students coming from Louisiana, placing it in the top 25% nationally for this metric. Out-of-state students make up a modest 10%, which is relatively low compared to other institutions. Domestic students represent 95% of the total, aligning with an average level seen across universities, while around 5% hail from foreign countries, indicating a modest but notable international presence.
The university's enrollment figures reveal an average intake size, with 1,063 freshmen admitted, positioning McNeese State University near the median range for incoming students. Transfer students number 285, a figure slightly below average, contributing to a total enrollment of approximately 1,348 new students annually.
The age distribution of undergraduates stretches predominantly across typical college ages, with the largest groups being 18-19 years old (1,765 students) and 20-21 years old (1,579 students). There are also substantial numbers of students aged 22-24 and 25-29, showing that the university serves not just recent high school graduates but also older undergraduates. Graduate students tend to be older, with the majority between ages 22 and 49 and smaller populations in older age categories, though overall graduate numbers are comparatively smaller.
Regarding racial and ethnic composition, McNeese State University reflects moderate diversity. White students form the largest group at 3,117 individuals, which is somewhat above average relative to peer institutions. African American students represent 853 of the student body, placing this demographic in the upper 40% nationally. Hispanic and Asian students number 219 and 89 respectively, each falling within average ranges but on the lower side compared to many campuses. Other ethnicities such as Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races are present in smaller numbers, emphasizing a student population with varied but fairly moderate ethnic diversity.
Student life at McNeese State University offers a variety of cultural and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. The university supports a campus newspaper, drama productions, a band, and a chorus, providing multiple outlets for creative expression and community involvement. While there are no campus radio or television stations, students can engage in the vibrant artistic offerings available.
Health and wellness resources include an on-site health clinic and psychological counseling services, underscoring the institution's commitment to supporting student well-being. Additionally, the presence of a women's center contributes to fostering an inclusive campus environment.
The university participates in NCAA athletics, offering opportunities for students interested in collegiate sports.
Students at McNeese State University primarily have access to the Frazar Memorial Library, the institution's main library. There is only one library on campus, which is considered average in size compared to other universities, ranking in the bottom 40% for number of libraries.
The Frazar Memorial Library offers a collection of nearly 493,000 books, placing it comfortably within the top half of comparable institutions for number of books available. The library also provides access to over 48,000 subscriptions, which is a notably strong area, ranking in the top 20% nationally.
Digital resources include approximately 131,000 digital subscriptions and about 202,000 ebooks; however, the number of ebooks is relatively low, falling in the bottom 30% when compared to peer libraries. The library also offers 122 databases, a figure that rates around the median range.
The facilities include physical library spaces with study rooms available to students, and both physical and digital access to resources are supported. Staff members are trained to assist users, and there is access to shared collections, enhancing resource availability beyond the university's own holdings.
Total enrollment
6060Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1052Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
547 full time, 132 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Frazar Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes