McNeese State University vs Blue Cliff College-Alexandria: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but McNeese State University comes closer — median earnings $46,453 against a $49,972 total, vs $22,177 at Blue Cliff College-Alexandria. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | McNeese State University | Blue Cliff College-Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,493 | $16,253 |
| Total net cost | $49,972 | $65,012 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $46,453 | $22,177 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$88,112 | -$588,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, McNeese State University or Blue Cliff College-Alexandria?
McNeese State University, at $12,493 a year after aid versus $16,253 — a gap of $3,760 a year, or $15,040 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 Blue Cliff College-Alexandria graduates earn more?
McNeese State University graduates report a median $46,453 ten years after entry, $24,276 more than the $22,177 at Blue Cliff College-Alexandria. 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 Blue Cliff College-Alexandria?
Blue Cliff College-Alexandria: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $23,000 at McNeese State University, a difference of $13,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at McNeese State University, against 34% at Blue Cliff College-Alexandria. 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.