Nicholls State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting); Northwestern State University of Louisiana is in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting).
• Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nicholls State University 19:1; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1.

Nicholls State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nicholls State University or NSU? 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 NSU ($12,298 vs. $13,134).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 4.3% lower than at Nicholls State University ($10,926 vs. $11,412).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is 8.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $715 more per year; $8,864.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.6% higher at NSU than at Nicholls State University (about $10,410 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than at Nicholls State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($12,098 vs. $10,392).

Nicholls State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nicholls State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming Nicholls State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at NSU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 934/1196; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 19/24; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nicholls State University - Required; NSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Nicholls State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at NSU (3.3).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than Nicholls State University (90.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Nicholls State University vs. 37.4% at NSU.

Nicholls State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nicholls State University and NSU? 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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from Nicholls State University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $1,683 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($19,848 vs. $21,531).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($205 vs. $222).
• More Nicholls State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 46%)

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.