Nicholls State University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nicholls State University 19:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Nicholls State University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nicholls State University or CMU? 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 CMU ($12,298 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 9.2% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,412 vs. $12,564).
• Central Michigan University is 81.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $6,611 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.7% higher at CMU than at Nicholls State University (about $5,518 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Michigan University than at Nicholls State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Michigan University students is 25.5% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($13,042 vs. $10,392).

Nicholls State University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nicholls State University or CMU? 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 CMU and Nicholls State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 10 points higher than at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming CMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Nicholls State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 934/1196; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 19/24; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nicholls State University - Required; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Nicholls State University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Nicholls State University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nicholls State University and CMU? 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $7,152 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($19,848 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($205 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.