McNeese In Lake Charles, Louisiana Sees Biggest Enrollment Gain In 22 Years

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - The biggest gain in enrollment in twenty-two years is being celebrated at McNeese State University.

After years of decline, fall 2025 enrollment increased by 5% to 6,556 students from 6,243 in 2024.

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McNeese State University is also reporting that with a 13.3% rise over the previous year, the university has welcomed its largest first-time freshman class in many years.

Dr. Wade Rousse, president of McNeese State University, said in a press release:

We know that coming to McNeese can change a life and it’s thrilling to see more students and families recognizing that. You can feel the energy and excitement across campus.

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Dr. Rousse also said that the university's dorm rooms are full for the first time in two decades.

The faculty and staff were instrumental in promoting McNeese's thriving campus culture, wide range of activities, and stellar academic standing. The momentum was further aided by a winning culture, which was reinforced by the men's basketball team's consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament.

In the future, the university plans to launch its new student union by the end of 2025. The state-of-the-art building will have a new cafeteria, a ballroom for events, and study and conference spaces.

Dr. Rousse finished with saying:

Our goal is to make McNeese the premier regional university in Louisiana and Southeast Texas, and we are well on our way.