Nicholls State University vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than Nicholls State University based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 6,043 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, LA (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Nicholls State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nicholls State University 19:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

Nicholls State University vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nicholls State University or NDSU? 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 NDSU ($12,298 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 13% lower than at Nicholls State University ($9,928 vs. $11,412).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 36.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nicholls State University (about $2,961 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $8,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.6% higher at NDSU than at Nicholls State University (about $6,522 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $9,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nicholls State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (89% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nicholls State University students is 62.1% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($10,392 vs. $6,409).

Nicholls State University vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nicholls State University or NDSU? 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 NDSU and Nicholls State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 20 points higher than at Nicholls State University (1070).
• Incoming NDSU 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: Nicholls State University 934/1196; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nicholls State University 19/24; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nicholls State University - Required; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Nicholls State University (3.34).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than Nicholls State University (90.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Nicholls State University vs. 32% at NDSU.

Nicholls State University vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nicholls State University and NDSU? 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).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Nicholls State University's (38%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Nicholls State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have a $3,452 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($19,848 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, Nicholls State University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($205 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nicholls State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 51%)

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.