University of South Alabama vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama ($12,298 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 0.4% lower than at Nicholls State University ($11,366 vs. $11,412).
• University of South Alabama is 24.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $1,967 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.6% higher at University of South Alabama than at Nicholls State University (about $9,850 more per year; $19,092.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Nicholls State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nicholls State University students is 11.4% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($10,392 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 10 points higher than at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming University of South Alabama 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: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

University of South Alabama vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama 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).

• University of South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $4,652 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($19,848 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($205 vs. $253).
• More Nicholls State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 45%)

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.