McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
For the 16th consecutive year, McNeese State University has received national recognition as one of the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News and World Report.
In the just released 2027 edition of “Best Colleges,” McNeese is also ranked No. 45 among the Top Public Schools in the southern region – one of five Louisiana institutions to make the Top 50.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings provide a data-driven comparison of more than 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success.
This fall, McNeese had its third year of enrollment increases, which are not only about new students, but also about the retainment of students year over year. McNeese has several programs in place to reach its strategic retention goals: the First-Year Experience program – funded by a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of
Education – connects freshmen with trained peer mentors to support academic success, campus engagement and personal growth; and the CARE Mentorship program that offers all students the opportunity to pair up with a faculty or staff member who mentors the students for the year to give them a little extra support.
“This continued recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and the outstanding work they do every day to showcase what makes McNeese special. Our vibrant campus community and varied academic programs prepare students for success. Through strong relationships with local industry and employers, McNeese students have hands-on learning opportunities and internships to ensure they are career ready,” said Mike Reese, president of McNeese.
McNeese continues to earn state and national recognition for its programs and for faculty and student achievements, including exceptional licensure exam pass rates, admission to medical and professional schools and outstanding career return on investment.
At McNeese this spring, the new Elizabeth and Leslie Richard Student Union opened this year offering students a modernized cafeteria, more collaboration spaces, a large event room and offices, while the new LNG Center of Excellence opened, reinforcing Southwest Louisiana’s position as the global leader in natural gas exports while serving as a hub for training, research and engagement focused on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, bringing together students, industry leaders, government partners and educators to support one of the region’s most critical economic drivers. Looking ahead, the renovation and expansion of the new McNeese Autism Program clinical facility has begun. The completed facility will offer more access to services for those in Southwest Louisiana navigating challenges related to neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as serve as the clinical placement site for graduate students earning a
Master of Science degree in applied behavior analysis. McNeese has the only graduate program in the state accredited by the Applied Behavior Analysis International.
