About Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University builds careers around Louisiana's unique bayou culture and economy. The 4,772 students dive deep into programs that reflect the region's strengths: nursing, business, and culinary arts that tap into Louisiana's legendary food scene. NFL running back Leonard Fournette and player Manning Kimmel both got their start here in Thibodaux, a small city where students connect directly with faculty and local industries.
The financial picture works for most Louisiana families. Students pay an average net price of $12,091 after aid, with many low-income students paying just $8,822. Graduates earn a median of $45,454 ten years out, carrying typical debt of $22,675 with monthly payments around $240. The math adds up for students who stay local and build careers in healthcare, business, or hospitality.
Nearly all students come from Louisiana (96%), creating a tight-knit community where everyone understands the local culture. The Colonels compete in Division I athletics across 13 sports, giving this regional university a bigger stage. With a 98.43% acceptance rate, Nicholls opens doors for students ready to work hard, though the 54% six-year graduation rate means staying focused matters more than getting in.
The financial picture works for most Louisiana families. Students pay an average net price of $12,091 after aid, with many low-income students paying just $8,822. Graduates earn a median of $45,454 ten years out, carrying typical debt of $22,675 with monthly payments around $240. The math adds up for students who stay local and build careers in healthcare, business, or hospitality.
Nearly all students come from Louisiana (96%), creating a tight-knit community where everyone understands the local culture. The Colonels compete in Division I athletics across 13 sports, giving this regional university a bigger stage. With a 98.43% acceptance rate, Nicholls opens doors for students ready to work hard, though the 54% six-year graduation rate means staying focused matters more than getting in.
Academics & Faculty
Nicholls State builds its academic reputation around practical programs that serve Louisiana's unique economy and culture. The university's culinary arts program draws students interested in Louisiana's famous food scene, while the nursing program addresses regional healthcare needs. Business students benefit from connections to local industries along the bayou. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide more individual attention than at larger universities. However, the 54% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. The university's strength lies in career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment in Louisiana, where 96% of students call home.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.3%
- Retention Rate
- 76.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,454
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $89,841 |
| Engineering-Related Technologies. | Bachelor | $73,446 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,030 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,641 |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,733 |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $47,046 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $45,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,383 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 |
Campus Life
Thibodaux sits an hour southwest of New Orleans in Louisiana's bayou country, where you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for the brief winter months. With housing capacity for 1,416 students and total enrollment of 4,772, about 30% of students live on campus in a close-knit community. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in popular programs like nursing and culinary arts.
Weekends often revolve around Colonels athletics, with 13 varsity sports competing in Division I. The campus embraces its Cajun heritage through food festivals and cultural events that celebrate the surrounding bayou culture. With 96% of students from Louisiana, most go home on weekends or explore New Orleans' music and restaurant scene. The small-town setting means campus life centers around residence halls, student organizations, and local haunts in downtown Thibodaux. Students often gather at nearby parks or take advantage of the mild climate for outdoor activities along the bayous and wetlands that define this unique corner of Louisiana.
Weekends often revolve around Colonels athletics, with 13 varsity sports competing in Division I. The campus embraces its Cajun heritage through food festivals and cultural events that celebrate the surrounding bayou culture. With 96% of students from Louisiana, most go home on weekends or explore New Orleans' music and restaurant scene. The small-town setting means campus life centers around residence halls, student organizations, and local haunts in downtown Thibodaux. Students often gather at nearby parks or take advantage of the mild climate for outdoor activities along the bayous and wetlands that define this unique corner of Louisiana.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,416 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1948
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–63°F
- July Avg
- 75°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 71.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Nicholls State draws overwhelmingly from Louisiana, with 96% of students calling the state home. The student body reflects the region's working-class roots, with about one-third receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, largely because the university has built a reputation for strong nursing and education programs that traditionally attract female students. The demographic mix mirrors the bayou communities surrounding Thibodaux, creating a tight-knit campus where students share similar backgrounds and often plan to build careers in Louisiana after graduation.
- Men
- 37.4%
- Women
- 62.6%
- White
- 64.6%
- Black
- 18.5%
- Hispanic
- 6.3%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 96.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.0%
Location
Thibodaux sits in Louisiana's bayou country, about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans. The city of 15,000 residents embraces its Cajun heritage and serves as the parish seat of Lafourche Parish. Students experience authentic Louisiana culture surrounded by sugarcane fields and winding waterways that define the region. The campus sits in a small city setting where 96% of students come from in-state, creating a distinctly Louisiana atmosphere. Thibodaux's location provides access to both New Orleans culture and the unique ecosystem of the Mississippi River Delta. The area's strong ties to the oil industry and seafood production influence campus life and career opportunities. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Nicholls State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Thibodaux, Louisiana 70310
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,454
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,367
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $240/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,675
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Nicholls State University?
Nicholls State accepts 98.43% of applicants, making it extremely accessible to students across Louisiana. The average SAT score is 1034, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of students in the bayou region.
How much does Nicholls State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,091, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,822. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $22,675 in debt.
What academic programs is Nicholls State University known for?
The university offers strong programs in nursing, business, and culinary arts that reflect Louisiana's unique culture. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in these career-focused programs.
What are the graduation rates at Nicholls State University?
About 50% of students graduate in four years, with 54% completing their degrees within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,454 ten years after graduation, and 94.7% find employment.
Where is Nicholls State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Thibodaux, a small Louisiana city in the heart of bayou country. With 4,772 students and housing for 1,416, the campus maintains strong ties to local Cajun culture while fielding 13 NCAA Division I sports teams.
Is Nicholls State University primarily a local school?
Yes, 96% of students come from Louisiana, making it deeply rooted in the state's community. The student body is 62.64% women and reflects Louisiana's diversity, with the Colonels competing in the Southland Conference.
Similar Schools
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, Colorado
Middle Georgia State University
Macon, Georgia
SUNY Old Westbury
Old Westbury, New York
Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin