IU Northwest vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Northwest in Gary, IN with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nicholls State University is larger than IU Northwest based on total student enrollment (6,043 students vs. 3,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Northwest is located in Gary, IN (Small City setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• Indiana University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Northwest 15:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

IU Northwest vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU Northwest or Nicholls State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Indiana University Northwest than Nicholls State University ($5,745 vs. $12,298).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University Northwest are 3.9% lower than at Nicholls State University ($10,972 vs. $11,412).
• Indiana University Northwest is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $275 more per year; $8,424.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146.8% higher at IU Northwest than at Nicholls State University (about $13,569 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at Indiana University Northwest (89% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nicholls State University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Indiana University Northwest students ($10,392 vs. $8,327).

IU Northwest vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU Northwest or Nicholls State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nicholls State University and IU Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nicholls State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at IU Northwest (1050).
• Incoming IU Northwest students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Nicholls State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 910/1180; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 18/26; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU Northwest - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Nicholls State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at IU Northwest (3.14).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than IU Northwest (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.5% at IU Northwest vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

IU Northwest vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU Northwest and Nicholls State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Nicholls State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Indiana University Northwest's (23%).
• Graduates from Nicholls State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than IU Northwest graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $5,182 lower median loan debt than IU Northwest graduates ($19,848 vs. $25,030).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IU Northwest graduates ($205 vs. $258).
• More Nicholls State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU Northwest students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 33%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.