McNeese State University
Updated: 5/24/2026, 7:29:03 PM Wikipedia source
McNeese State University is a public university in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 1939 as Lake Charles Junior College, it was renamed McNeese Junior College after John McNeese, an early local educator. The present name was adopted in 1970. McNeese is part of the University of Louisiana System and is classified as a Master's University. The university consists of six colleges and the Doré School of Graduate Studies. McNeese is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Infobox
Former name
Lake Charles Junior College (1939–1940) John McNeese Junior College (1940–1950) McNeese State College (1950–1970)
Motto
Excellence With A Personal Touch
Type
Public university
Established
September 1939 (September 1939)
Parent institution
UL System
Academic affiliations
Space-grant
President
Kedrick Nicholas (Interim)
Students
6,556 (fall 2025)
Undergraduates
6,055 (fall 2025)
Postgraduates
501 (fall 2025)
Location
Lake Charles, Louisiana, U . 30°10′50″N 93°13′00″W / 30 °N 93 °W / 30 ; -93
Campus
Urban, 121 acres (49 ha)
Colors
Royal blue, Sunflower gold
Nickname
Cowboys and Cowgirls
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division I FCS – Southland
Mascot
Rowdy
Website
www
Tables
Undergraduate demographics as of fall 2023 · Student life
White
White
Race and ethnicity
White
Total
64%
Black
Black
Race and ethnicity
Black
Total
18%
International student
International student
Race and ethnicity
International student
Total
6%
Hispanic
Hispanic
Race and ethnicity
Hispanic
Total
5%
Two or more races
Two or more races
Race and ethnicity
Two or more races
Total
4%
Asian
Asian
Race and ethnicity
Asian
Total
2%
Unknown
Unknown
Race and ethnicity
Unknown
Total
1%
Economic diversity
Economic diversity
Race and ethnicity
Economic diversity
Low-income
Low-income
Race and ethnicity
Low-income
Total
35%
Affluent
Affluent
Race and ethnicity
Affluent
Total
65%
| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
| White | 64% | ||
| Black | 18% | ||
| International student | 6% | ||
| Hispanic | 5% | ||
| Two or more races | 4% | ||
| Asian | 2% | ||
| Unknown | 1% | ||
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income | 35% | ||
| Affluent | 65% | ||
References
- The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
- Institutional Research and Effectivenesshttps://www.mcneese.edu/ire/fall-2025-enrollment/#f25level
- mcneesesportshttp://mcneesesports.com/documents/2014/6/2/McNeeseStyleGuide.pdf?id=1524
- ereserveshttps://web.archive.org/web/20190908074647/http://ereserves.mcneese.edu/depts/archive/Encyclo/encyclokr.htm#McNeese
- "Carnegie Foundation Classifications"http://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=159717
- "McNeese State University"https://web.archive.org/web/20130803073709/http://www2.mcneese.edu/parents/facts.asp
- "Joe Dumars Day set for Jan. 5; unveiling of Joe Dumars Court"https://mcneesesports.com/news/2022/12/12/mens-basketball-joe-dumars-day-set-for-jan-5-unveiling-of-joe-dumars-court.aspx
- "Facilities"https://mcneesesports.com/facilities/legacy-center/245
- "McNeese State dedicates new statue 'The Cowboy'"https://www.americanpress.com/2013/08/14/mcneese-state-dedicates-new-statue-the-cowboy/
- "John McNeese"https://www.lacroixartstudio.com/john-mcneese
- "'The Cowboy' statue unveiled at McNeese"https://www.kplctv.com/story/23138054/the-cowboy-statue-unveiled-at-mcneese/
- mcneesealumnihttp://mcneesealumni.com/s/1148/index.aspx?sid=1148&gid=1&pgid=333
- Washington Monthlyhttps://washingtonmonthly.com/2025-college-guide/masters-university-rankings/
- U . News & World Reporthttps://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities
- "McNeese State University"https://web.archive.org/web/20130803073709/http://www2.mcneese.edu/parents/facts.asp
- "McNeese to Offer Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree"https://www.mcneese.edu/news/mcneese-to-offer-doctorate-of-nursing-practice-degree/
- Retrieved March 13, 2014http://www.mcneese.edu/president/blog/rankings_value_and_student_success
- mcneesealumnihttp://mcneesealumni.com/s/1148/index.aspx?sid=1148&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=1298&ecid=1298&crid=0&calpgid=340&calcid=918
- "Institute for Industry – Education Collaboration – McNeese State University"https://www.mcneese.edu/iiec/