SIUE vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, IL with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (11,893 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is located in Edwardsville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 15:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

SIUE vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SIUE 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 SIUE ($12,298 vs. $17,115).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 21.2% lower than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ($11,412 vs. $14,490).
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is 58.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $4,773 more per year; $12,922.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at SIUE than at Nicholls State University (about $3,680 more per year; $12,922.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville than at Nicholls State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students is 11.6% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($11,602 vs. $10,392).

SIUE vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SIUE 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 SIUE.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1070) is the same as at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming SIUE students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Nicholls State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 950/1190; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 20/27; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SIUE - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: SIUE May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SIUE students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• SIUE has a higher acceptance rate (97.5%) than Nicholls State University (90.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at SIUE vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

SIUE vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SIUE 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).

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $1,582 lower median loan debt than SIUE graduates ($19,848 vs. $21,430).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SIUE graduates ($205 vs. $221).
• More SIUE graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.