McNeese Named a Top Southern University in 2026 Rankings
Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - From record-breaking enrollment to brand-new campus upgrades, the Cowboys are proving they’re not just keeping up, they’re raising the bar. McNeese State University is thriving and has just been recognized nationally for the 15th consecutive year.
If you've driven through McNeese's campus in Lake Charles over the last few months, you have probably noticed a ton of construction. A brand-new student union is expected to open by the end of 2025, featuring spaces for studying, meeting, a large ballroom for events, and a new cafeteria. After the damage caused by the 2020 hurricanes, McNeese rebuilt its bookstore building and stadium press box. Both reopened in 2025, with the stadium project including a $32 million press box for football games and a new team store.
There has been evident success over the last few years on the campus of McNeese State, and it is all fronted by the McNeese Basketball team and the continued success of the baseball and softball programs. But athletics isn't the only area of McNeese State that is thriving...
This year, McNeese is celebrating major growth. The university saw its largest increase in enrollment in more than 22 years. It welcomed its biggest freshman class in many years, and dorm rooms are full.
MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY NAMED ONE OF BEST UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH
McNeese State University has earned a big honor for the 15th year in a row. The school was once again named one of the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, McNeese ranked number 40 among the top public schools in the South. The university’s undergraduate teaching degree program also tied for 18th place, landing among the top 80 teaching programs in the region. These rankings look at many areas, including how much value a school gives, how it helps students move up in life, how strong its teaching is, how it serves veterans, and performance in specific programs.
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Gallery Credit: Gina Cook