Skip to content

Nicholls State University vs Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Nicholls State University is a public university in Thibodaux, LA, and Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public university in Natchitoches, LA. Nicholls State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 91% of applicants against 93% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Nicholls State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,947 a year against $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. About 54% of students graduate at Nicholls State University, compared with 44% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern State University of Louisiana alumni earn a median of about $47,021, against $45,454 for Nicholls State University.

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Thibodaux, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,737
5,519
Acceptance rate
91%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.17–3.67
SAT (middle 50%)
934–1196
866–1163
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
18–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,947
$13,606
Full cost / yr
$23,481
$25,431
In-state tuition
$8,149
$8,864
Out-of-state tuition
$9,242
$19,652
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,714
$11,693
$30k - $48k
$10,527
$12,261
$48k - $75k
$12,139
$12,549
$75k - $110k
$16,784
$17,777
Over $110k
$17,954
$19,077
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
44%
Freshman retention
77%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,829
$39,485
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,454
$47,021
Median debt at graduation
$22,675
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
35%
First-generation students
46%
42%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Nicholls State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana harder to get into?
Nicholls State University is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 93% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Nicholls State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Nicholls State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,947 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Nicholls State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Before aid, Nicholls State University costs about $23,481 a year and Northwestern State University of Louisiana about $25,431. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Nicholls State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Nicholls State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,714 there, against about $11,693 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Nicholls State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is the larger of the two, with about 5,519 undergraduates against 4,737 at Nicholls State University.
Does Nicholls State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana have a better graduation rate?
Nicholls State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 44% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Do graduates of Nicholls State University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn more?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,021 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,454 for Nicholls State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Nicholls State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana require SAT or ACT scores?
Nicholls State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Nicholls State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 934–1196 at Nicholls State University and 866–1163 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school