Head-to-head · 2026
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs Nicholls State University
Compare average net price ($19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College; $12,947 at Nicholls State University), ROI score (8.00 vs 8.78), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($61,251 vs $45,454), and admissions selectivity (73.3% acceptance at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College; 90.8% at Nicholls State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Nicholls State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.00 | 8.78 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,151 | $12,947 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $76,604 | $51,788 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $11,954 | $8,149 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,631 | $9,242 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $61,251 ✓ | $45,454 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.3% | 90.8% |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% ✓ | 53.8% |
| Retention rate | 84.7% ✓ | 76.6% |
| Median debt | $20,500 ✓ | $22,675 |
| Enrollment | 30,594 | 4,737 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1285 | 1090 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Nicholls State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,056 | $10,714 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $15,696 | $10,527 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $20,223 | $12,139 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $23,878 | $16,784 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $26,489 | $17,954 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Nicholls State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 6.5% | 12.4% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 1.9% | 8.9% |
| Psychology, General | 3% | 6.1% |
| Biology, General | 4.4% | 3.3% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 4.7% | 1.5% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 0.4% | 5.7% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 5% | 0.1% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.8% | 2.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Nicholls State University reports the lower average net price by $6,204 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $24,816 difference over four years ($51,788 vs $76,604).
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College reports $15,797 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($61,251 vs $45,454). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 84.7% at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and 76.6% at Nicholls State University. Median federal debt among completers is $20,500 vs $22,675, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs Nicholls State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Nicholls State University is cheaper — average net price $12,947 per year vs $19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. The annual difference of $6,204 adds up to about $24,816 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $61,251 vs $45,454 at Nicholls State University. The gap in the federal data is $15,797. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is more selective at 73.3% acceptance vs 90.8% at Nicholls State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.