Nicholls State University admits 96.0% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for prospective students. This open access approach means roughly 24 out of 25 applicants receive admission offers, reflecting the institution's mission to serve diverse student populations regardless of academic preparation. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Nicholls State is significantly more accessible than typical four-year institutions.
This level of accessibility removes admission uncertainty for most students, allowing families to focus on academic fit and financial planning rather than competitive positioning. Students should view Nicholls State as a likely admission option when building their college lists. The institution's open access model supports its role as an educational opportunity provider for first-generation, Pell-eligible, and transfer students. Prospective students can approach their applications with confidence while concentrating on demonstrating genuine interest in their intended programs and career preparation goals.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Nicholls State typically score between 928 and 1,145 on the SAT, with a median of 1,088. SAT Math scores range from 438 to 545, while SAT Verbal scores span 490 to 600. ACT scores range from 18 to 24 with a median of 23. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students, meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound.
The SAT median of 1,088 sits just below the peer median of 1,090, indicating academic preparation typical for regional public universities. Test score performance ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for SAT and 91st percentile for ACT, demonstrating well above average academic preparation despite open admission policies. Students scoring below 928 SAT or 18 ACT should not view themselves as automatically excluded, as the institution serves diverse academic backgrounds.
For students whose scores fall within or above these ranges, academic preparation aligns well with enrolled student profiles. Those scoring significantly below these ranges should consider whether additional academic preparation or support services might enhance their likelihood of academic success. The combination of accessible admission with solid academic preparation among enrolled students suggests an environment supportive of diverse learners.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Nicholls State enrolls a diverse student body reflecting its commitment to educational access. The institution serves 35.0% Pell-eligible students and 45.8% first-generation college students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income and non-college backgrounds. Transfer students comprise 15.5% of enrollment, reflecting pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions.
This composition demonstrates the university's role in serving students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. The high percentage of first-generation students indicates strong support systems for families navigating higher education for the first time. Students from similar backgrounds should find peer communities and institutional understanding of their unique challenges and strengths.
Given Nicholls State's 96% acceptance rate, admission is highly accessible for most students. The alternatives below offer geographic proximity, cost advantages, or stronger outcomes for students building comprehensive college lists.
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Prospective students from first-generation backgrounds can expect to find nearly half their classmates sharing similar experiences. Those receiving Pell grants will join a substantial community of students managing college with financial aid support. Transfer students will find established pathways and support systems designed for their specific needs as they transition to four-year study.
Students who enroll at Nicholls State demonstrate moderate persistence and completion patterns. The retention rate of 76.6% indicates that roughly three-quarters of freshmen return for sophomore year, slightly above the peer median of 73.2%. The six-year graduation rate of 54.3% exceeds the peer median of 49.3%, suggesting reasonable degree completion support.
Pell-eligible students graduate at 41.3%, creating a 13.0 percentage point gap compared to overall completion rates. This gap indicates that lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though institutional support helps many succeed. The gap is substantial and suggests students from lower-income backgrounds should carefully consider academic preparation and support resource availability.
Students who gain admission should expect institutional support systems designed for diverse academic backgrounds, though academic success requires personal commitment and engagement. Those from lower-income backgrounds should actively seek out academic support services, financial aid counseling, and mentoring programs to maximize their likelihood of degree completion. The retention and completion rates indicate that with proper preparation and support utilization, degree completion is achievable for motivated students.
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