Nicholls State University vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA with Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sam Houston State University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nicholls State University 19:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

Nicholls State University vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nicholls State University or SHSU? 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 SHSU ($12,298 vs. $14,737).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 2.6% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($11,412 vs. $11,720).
• Sam Houston State University is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $1,079 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.3% higher at SHSU than at Nicholls State University (about $9,826 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at Sam Houston State University (89% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sam Houston State University students is 2.7% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($10,669 vs. $10,392).

Nicholls State University vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nicholls State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming Nicholls State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at SHSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 934/1196; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 19/24; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nicholls State University - Required; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nicholls State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than SHSU (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Nicholls State University vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

Nicholls State University vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Sam Houston State University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $1,652 lower median loan debt than SHSU graduates ($19,848 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SHSU graduates ($205 vs. $222).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.