College Costs in Lake Charles, LA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,274
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$41,023
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$925
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Lake Charles Overview
Population
84,872
Student Population
6,067 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
80 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Lake Charles
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,408
Total After Financial Aid
$93,408
Annual Cost
$23,352
Annual After Aid
$23,352
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,061 |
| Total Interest | $33,867 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,275 |
Universities in Lake Charles
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| McNeese State University | Public | $9,274 |
| Sowela Technical Community College | Community | $4,236 |
Lake Charles has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lake Charles vs. National Average
| Category | Lake Charles | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,274 | $10,940 | -$1,666 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $925 | $1,050 | -$125 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80 | 100 | -20 |
Lake Charles's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Lake Charles
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,067 students
Lake Charles has a total population of 84,872, with approximately 6,067 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lake Charles offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lake Charles
$46,265
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lake Charles earn a median starting salary of $46,265, which is $11,265 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,078 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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