University of West Alabama vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of West Alabama is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (6,820 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• University of West 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 West Alabama 19:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West 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 West Alabama ($12,298 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 27.9% lower than at Nicholls State University ($8,230 vs. $11,412).
• University of West Alabama is 34.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $2,841 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.4% higher at University of West Alabama than at Nicholls State University (about $10,848 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at Nicholls State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nicholls State University students is 15% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($10,392 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nicholls State University (1070) is 80 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Nicholls State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nicholls State University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

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

How do outcomes compare for University of West 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).

• Nicholls State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Nicholls State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $6,641 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($19,848 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($205 vs. $273).
• More Nicholls State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 36%)

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.