IU South Bend vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, IN with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nicholls State University is larger than IU South Bend based on total student enrollment (6,043 students vs. 4,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• Indiana University South Bend is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University South Bend 15:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

IU South Bend vs. Nicholls State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend than Nicholls State University ($9,003 vs. $12,298).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 10.8% lower than at Nicholls State University ($10,184 vs. $11,412).
• Indiana University South Bend is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $275 more per year; $8,424.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146.8% higher at IU South Bend than at Nicholls State University (about $13,569 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at Indiana University South Bend (89% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nicholls State University students is 24.1% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($10,392 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. Nicholls State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University South Bend (1070) is the same as at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming IU South Bend students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Nicholls State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Nicholls State University 934/1196.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Nicholls State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; Nicholls State University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Nicholls State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at IU South Bend (3.24).
• Nicholls State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than IU South Bend (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

IU South Bend vs. Nicholls State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Nicholls State University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $4,682 lower median loan debt than IU South Bend graduates ($19,848 vs. $24,530).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IU South Bend graduates ($205 vs. $253).
• More Nicholls State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 47%)

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.