LSU vs. Nicholls State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Louisiana State University is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 6,043 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Nicholls State University is in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; Nicholls State University 19:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nicholls State University are 24.6% lower than at Louisiana State University ($11,412 vs. $15,142).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.8% higher at LSU than at Nicholls State University (about $19,389 more per year; $28,631 vs. $9,242).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at Louisiana State University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 35.6% larger than aid received by Nicholls State University students ($14,094 vs. $10,392).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 6 points higher at LSU than at Nicholls State University (27 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at LSU, required at Nicholls State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at LSU average a 3.77 high school GPA, 0.43 higher than at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 35.4% at Nicholls State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $1,052 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($19,848 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($205 vs. $216).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation (67% vs. 51%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.