McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
McNeese State University is celebrating a third year of enrollment increases as fall 2026 enrollment rose by 1.6% to 6,663 students, up from 6,556 in 2025.
“I am so proud of the faculty and staff at McNeese who have worked tirelessly to bring new students to campus and support those who were already here. Our goal is not only to attract students, but to also help them stay, get involved, find their place in our community and ultimately earn their degrees,” explained Mike Reese, president of McNeese. “We know a college degree can change a student’s life, and when our graduates succeed, they have the opportunity to make an even greater impact on their families, their communities and the future of Louisiana.”
Enrollment increases are not just about new students, but retaining students year over year. Continuing student enrollment increased by 5.4%. Additionally, the first-time-freshman cohort continuing from fall 2025 to fall 2026 is at 71%, an increase of 2% over the previous year.
“We are elated to have another semester with metrics depicting enrollment success. It is most pleasing to see that our efforts to enhance student retention through student support services are producing results,” said Dr. Kedrick Nicholas, senior vice president/chief operating officer at McNeese. “We will continue to intentionally showcase McNeese as a premier higher education opportunity for new students while ensuring our continuing students receive care and nurture through high-impact programs that make them feel capable, valued and supported.”
Retaining students is part of McNeese’s strategic plan and that starts with supporting students. Last fall, McNeese began offering freshman students an opportunity to participate in the First-Year Experience (FYE) program to get a strong start to their college careers. The students are connected with trained peer mentors to support academic success, campus engagement and personal growth.
All McNeese students are supported with tutoring in math, science and writing in the Center for Learning and Student Success. McNeese students can also take part in the CARE Mentorship program where a student is paired with a faculty or staff member who mentors the student for the year to give them a little extra support.
Undergraduate enrollment increased in the College of Business by 9.2%, College of Liberal Arts by 2.6% and the College of Nursing and Health Professions by 1.9%.
McNeese continues to earn state and national recognition for faculty and student achievements, including exceptional licensure exam pass rates, admission to medical and professional schools and outstanding career return on investment.
“Our growth in enrollment is expected to translate into growth in graduates who will help meet the workforce needs of Southwest Louisiana, the greater Louisiana footprint and beyond,” Nicholas said.
