Head-to-head · 2026
Nicholls State University vs Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Compare average net price ($12,947 at Nicholls State University; $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana), ROI score (8.78 vs 8.64), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,454 vs $47,021), and admissions selectivity (90.8% acceptance at Nicholls State University; 92.5% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana) 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 | Nicholls State University | Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.78 ✓ | 8.64 |
| Avg net price | $12,947 ✓ | $13,606 |
| 4-year avg net price | $51,788 ✓ | $54,424 |
| In-state tuition | $8,149 | $8,864 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,242 | $19,652 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,454 | $47,021 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 90.8% | 92.5% |
| Graduation rate | 53.8% ✓ | 43.2% |
| Retention rate | 76.6% ✓ | 70.9% |
| Median debt | $22,675 ✓ | $25,000 |
| Enrollment | 4,737 | 5,519 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1090 | 1088 |
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 | Nicholls State University | Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,714 ✓ | $11,693 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,527 ✓ | $12,261 |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,139 ✓ | $12,549 |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,784 ✓ | $17,777 |
| Family income $110k+ | $17,954 ✓ | $19,077 |
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 | Nicholls State University | Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 12.8% | 23.9% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 5.7% | 18% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 12.4% | 5.7% |
| Psychology, General | 6.1% | 5.2% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 8.9% | 0.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.9% | 6% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 6.8% | 1.1% |
| Biology, General | 3.3% | 3.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Nicholls State University reports the lower average net price by $659 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $2,636 difference over four years ($51,788 vs $54,424).
Northwestern State University of Louisiana reports $1,567 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($47,021 vs $45,454). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 76.6% at Nicholls State University and 70.9% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Median federal debt among completers is $22,675 vs $25,000, 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
Nicholls State University vs Northwestern State University of Louisiana, 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 $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The annual difference of $659 adds up to about $2,636 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $47,021 vs $45,454 at Nicholls State University. The gap in the federal data is $1,567. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Nicholls State University is more selective at 90.8% acceptance vs 92.5% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
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.