Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University has an acceptance rate of 90.8%, annual tuition of $8,149, average net price of $12,947, and a national rank of #905 (Grade B), with a 53.8% six-year graduation rate, about 4,737 undergraduates, and median earnings of $38,829 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Nicholls State University is a public university in Thibodaux, LA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 76.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -25.0%, roughly 110.3 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Nicholls State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Nicholls State University graduates 53.8% of students within six years and keeps 76.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Nicholls State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,149 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,412 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,240 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,481 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 34.1% of Nicholls State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,714 to $17,954 depending on family income. Use Nicholls State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,784/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,954/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $38,829
- 10-Year Median Earnings $38,829
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,156
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.0%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Nicholls State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Nicholls State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Nicholls State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Nicholls State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Nicholls State University graduates earn $38,829 median, the -25.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 472-608
- SAT Math 462-588
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,737
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.6%
- Graduation Rate 53.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Nicholls State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Nicholls State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 90.8%, Nicholls State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 90.8% acceptance rate, Nicholls State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 934 and 1196 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Nicholls State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 14.1%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 11.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 10.7%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 8.0%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.7%
- Biology, General 4.5%
See more majors
- Culinary Arts and Related Services 4.3%
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,027
- 2. Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians $75,285
- 3. Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians $71,690
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Information Systems and Services $66,793
- 5. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $50,821
- 6. Marketing $50,378
- 7. Biology, General $50,054
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $49,085
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $46,500
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $46,209
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $132,991
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $84,450
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $58,090
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $56,635
- 5. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $54,353
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $51,058
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $47,908
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $76,027—65% more than Accounting and Related Services ($46,209). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $132,991 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Nicholls State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 106 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Culinary Arts and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)â–¼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Marketing
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Music
- Engineering-Related Technologies
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,737
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.0%
- Female Students 61.1%
- Caucasian 63.9%
- Asian 1.3%
- Hispanic 6.6%
- Black 18.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Nicholls State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Nicholls State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Nicholls State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Nicholls State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 61.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Nicholls State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Nicholls State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Nicholls State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #905 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,947 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $38,829 median earnings. The 53.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.6% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Nicholls State University's Strengths
Ranked #905 with a B grade, Nicholls State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Nicholls State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,947 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Nicholls State University's 76.6% retention and 53.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($38,829 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Nicholls State University and $12,947 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 53.8% six-year graduation rate sits 8.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.6% first-year retention is 0.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -25.0% return on investment is 110.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $38,829 run about 11% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,947 is roughly $4,450 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 34.1% trails the national share by 5.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Nicholls State University is a public university based in Thibodaux, LA and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #905 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 76.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 53.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -25.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,947 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,481.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,534 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,156 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $38,829 six years after entry. This is roughly 11% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.9%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -25.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
90.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Nicholls State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Louisiana campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nicholls State University's acceptance rate?
Nicholls State University's acceptance rate is 90.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Nicholls State University cost?
At Nicholls State University, listed tuition and fees are $8,149 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,947. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Nicholls State University's ranking?
Nicholls State University ranks #905 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Nicholls State University's graduation rate?
At Nicholls State University, the six-year graduation rate is 53.8%, and first-year retention is 76.6%.
What are Nicholls State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Nicholls State University report median earnings of $38,829 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Nicholls State University's student population?
Nicholls State University enrolls about 4,737 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Thibodaux, LA 70310
- Website www.nicholls.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$16.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.1%