Nicholls State University vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stephen F Austin State University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nicholls State University 19:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Nicholls State University vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nicholls State University or SFASU? 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 SFASU ($12,298 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 13.2% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($11,412 vs. $13,144).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 36.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $2,979 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.5% higher at SFASU than at Nicholls State University (about $14,184 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at Stephen F Austin State University (89% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($10,694 vs. $10,392).

Nicholls State University vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nicholls State University (1070) is the same as at SFASU (1070).
• Incoming Nicholls State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at SFASU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 934/1196; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 19/24; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nicholls State University - Required; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Nicholls State University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Nicholls State University (90.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Nicholls State University vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Nicholls State University vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Stephen F Austin State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $5,152 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($19,848 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($205 vs. $258).
• More SFASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.