Head-to-head · 2026
McNeese State University vs Nicholls State University
Compare average net price ($12,493 at McNeese State University; $12,947 at Nicholls State University), ROI score (9.30 vs 8.78), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($46,453 vs $45,454), and admissions selectivity (78.3% acceptance at McNeese State University; 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 | McNeese State University | Nicholls State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.30 ✓ | 8.78 |
| Avg net price | $12,493 ✓ | $12,947 |
| 4-year avg net price | $49,972 ✓ | $51,788 |
| In-state tuition | $8,489 | $8,149 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,989 | $9,242 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $46,453 ✓ | $45,454 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.3% | 90.8% |
| Graduation rate | 47% | 53.8% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 68.4% | 76.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $22,675 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,005 | 4,737 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1087 | 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 | McNeese State University | Nicholls State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,482 ✓ | $10,714 |
| Family income $30–48k | $11,067 | $10,527 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,640 ✓ | $12,139 |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,190 ✓ | $16,784 |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,250 | $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 | McNeese State University | Nicholls State University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 13.1% | 12.8% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 10.2% | 12.4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 13.5% | 5.7% |
| Psychology, General | 5.9% | 6.1% |
| Biology, General | 3.9% | 3.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.7% | 2.9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 3.9% | 1.5% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 2.4% | 2.4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
McNeese State University reports the lower average net price by $454 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $1,816 difference over four years ($49,972 vs $51,788).
McNeese State University reports $999 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($46,453 vs $45,454). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 68.4% at McNeese State University and 76.6% at Nicholls State University. Median federal debt among completers is $23,000 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
McNeese State University vs Nicholls State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
McNeese State University is cheaper — average net price $12,493 per year vs $12,947 at Nicholls State University. The annual difference of $454 adds up to about $1,816 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
McNeese State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $46,453 vs $45,454 at Nicholls State University. The gap in the federal data is $999. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
McNeese State University is more selective at 78.3% 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.