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McNeese State University vs Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington: which has better ROI?

Public, Lake Charles LA · vs · Private for-profit, Covington LA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but McNeese State University comes closer — median earnings $46,453 against a $49,972 total, vs $30,334 at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMcNeese State UniversityAveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington
Net price / yr$12,493$25,742
Total net cost$49,972$102,968
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,453$30,334
Median debt$23,000$7,917
Payback
20-year net return-$88,112-$463,488

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, McNeese State University or Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington?

McNeese State University, at $12,493 a year after aid versus $25,742 — a gap of $13,249 a year, or $52,996 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do McNeese State University or Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington graduates earn more?

McNeese State University graduates report a median $46,453 ten years after entry, $16,119 more than the $30,334 at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, McNeese State University or Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington?

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington: its completers carry a median $7,917 in federal loans versus $23,000 at McNeese State University, a difference of $15,083. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington, against 47% at McNeese State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

McNeese State University vs Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington: frequently asked questions

Is McNeese State University or Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington a better value?
McNeese State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, McNeese State University or Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington?
McNeese State University: $12,493/yr net price after aid versus $25,742/yr at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington — a difference of $13,249 a year, or about $52,996 over four years.
Do McNeese State University or Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington graduates earn more?
McNeese State University graduates earn a median $46,453 ten years after entry, versus $30,334 at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington — a $16,119 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.