Nicholls State University's published cost of attendance totals $21,519 annually, including $9,266 in out-of-state tuition (or $8,173 for Louisiana residents), $10,938 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $12,091 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,428 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,481 |
| Tuition and Fees | $9,242 |
| Room and Board | $11,412 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,534 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,947 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,714 |
| $30–48k | $10,527 |
| $48–75k | $12,139 |
| $75–110k | $16,784 |
| $110k+ | $17,954 |
Nicholls State University's published cost of attendance totals $21,519 annually, including $9,266 in out-of-state tuition (or $8,173 for Louisiana residents), $10,938 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $12,091 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,428 from the sticker price. This net price sits nearly $2,000 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating somewhat higher costs than similar regional public universities. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution.
Financial aid covers 43.8% of total costs on average, making the institution accessible to students across income levels. Net prices range from $8,822 for families earning under $30,000 to $15,799 for those earning over $110,000, showing progressive pricing that adjusts to family financial capacity. This structure supports the institution's mission of serving diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining reasonable affordability for most students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Nicholls State graduates carry median debt of $22,675, which sits around the national average at the 52nd percentile and $1,570 below the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,500 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 indicates that typical graduates carry debt equal to half their annual earnings, representing manageable but significant borrowing relative to post-graduation income. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,290 with monthly payments of $136, indicating moderate family borrowing to support student education. The combination of student debt around national averages with earnings below peer levels creates financial pressure that requires careful planning.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Nicholls State delivers strong value relative to student investment through above-average earnings improvement despite modest absolute earnings levels. Graduates earn $5,810 beyond expectations, ranking at the 76th percentile nationally for value-added performance, while median debt remains around national averages.
This combination indicates effective student development that justifies educational investment even when median earnings of $45,454 rank below peer institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, while requiring careful financial management, remains manageable for graduates committed to career development. Students should focus on high-earning programs like nursing, health sciences, and technical fields to optimize return on investment.
The institution's role as an Opportunity Builder means students from diverse backgrounds can expect meaningful earnings improvement relative to their starting points, supporting the educational investment despite modest absolute earnings levels. Financial planning and program selection become critical factors in maximizing the value of the Nicholls State investment.
Nicholls State's financial aid system provides substantial support for lower-income students while maintaining accessibility for middle-class families. The 35.0% Pell share indicates significant enrollment of students from families earning under $50,000 annually, supported by federal grant assistance.
Average financial aid savings of $9,428 reduce the published cost by nearly half, making higher education achievable for students who might otherwise face financial barriers. The progressive net pricing structure, with costs ranging from $8,822 to $15,799 across income tiers, demonstrates institutional commitment to need-based assistance. Even families in the highest income bracket pay less than the published sticker price, indicating some level of aid distribution across economic backgrounds.
This aid philosophy supports the institution's role in serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students while remaining accessible to middle-class families seeking affordable higher education options.
Students should consider program-specific earnings potential when evaluating borrowing decisions, particularly given the wide range of outcomes from $16,663 in Biology to $68,486 in Mining Technology. The controlled debt levels relative to peer institutions provide some protection against over-borrowing, though career planning remains essential for debt management success.
