LSU vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

LSU vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU 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 Nicholls State University than LSU ($12,298 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 24.6% lower than at Louisiana State University ($11,412 vs. $15,142).
• Louisiana State University is 46.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $3,805 more per year; $11,954.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.8% higher at LSU than at Nicholls State University (about $19,389 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at Louisiana State University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 35.6% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($14,094 vs. $10,392).

LSU vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU 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 LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 190 points higher than at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming LSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Nicholls State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

LSU vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU 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).

• Louisiana State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $1,052 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($19,848 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($205 vs. $216).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 51%)

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.