McNeese vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McNeese State University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (6,241 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA (Small City setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• McNeese 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: McNeese State University 20:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

McNeese vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McNeese 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 McNeese ($12,298 vs. $12,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McNeese State University are 6.7% lower than at Nicholls State University ($10,644 vs. $11,412).
• McNeese State University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $340 more per year; $8,489.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at McNeese than at Nicholls State University (about $747 more per year; $9,989.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at McNeese State University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nicholls State University students is 7.7% larger than aid received by McNeese State University students ($10,392 vs. $9,649).

McNeese vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McNeese 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 McNeese.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McNeese State University (1070) is the same as at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming Nicholls State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at McNeese).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 940/1198; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McNeese State University 18/23; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McNeese - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Accepted freshman McNeese students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than McNeese (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.2% at McNeese vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

McNeese vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McNeese 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 McNeese State University's (37%).
• Graduates from McNeese State University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $390 lower median loan debt than McNeese graduates ($19,848 vs. $20,238).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McNeese graduates ($205 vs. $209).
• More Nicholls State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McNeese students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 49%)

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.