Samford University vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

Samford University vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University 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 Samford University ($12,298 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 12.6% lower than at Samford University ($11,412 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 392.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $32,001 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 334.4% higher at Samford University than at Nicholls State University (about $30,908 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Nicholls State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 116.8% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($22,530 vs. $10,392).

Samford University vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University 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 Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 90 points higher than at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Nicholls State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

Samford University vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $2,652 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($19,848 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($205 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.