Colleges in Lake Charles

                                                 McNeese State University
Founded in 1939, McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Earlier, it was a part of the Louisiana State University system. In 1950, the school parted from the LSU system and became the McNeese State College, and it gained university status in 1970. The main campus of McNeese State University consists of more than 65 buildings and covers 121 acres. It offers over 80 degree programs through the following academic divisions:

•College of Business

•College of Education

•College of Engineering & Technology

•College of Liberal Arts

•College of Nursing

•College of Science



McNeese State University’s men's sports teams are known as the Cowboys, while the women's athletic teams are the Cowgirls. They participate in NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA) for football) in the Southland Conference.

       The Southwest Louisiana Trade School was established by the Louisiana Legislature in 1938, and in 1940 classes began in five programs of training. In 1962, the name was changed to SOWELA Technical Institute due to expansion of facilities, growth of the student body, increased curricula, and the need for additional technical education.

        In 1971, SOWELA Technical Institute gained significant recognition upon its accreditation by the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - one of the most prestigious educational accrediting agencies in the United States.
        SOWELA Technical Institute moved to its present location in January 1980. The institute was renamed SOWELA Regional Technical Institute in March 1990, as it served as the regional center for Region Five.
       Another milestone was reached on July 27, 1995, when the school was renamed Louisiana Technical College - SOWELA Campus. SOWELA is among the largest and most progressive post-secondary technical colleges in the state.