THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University ranks as the No. 1 Best Value College in Louisiana according to Niche.com’s 2026 College Rankings. The Best Value Colleges ranking is based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of student and alumni reviews.
Nicholls’ average cost and tuition are significantly lower than the national and state averages, with its in-state and out-of-state tuition being very close in cost at $8,173 and $9,266 per year, almost half of Louisiana’s average in both categories.
Niche’s net price to attend Nicholls averaged $11,029, compared to the $17,821 national and $17,033 state averages. Nicholls alumni median earnings 5 years after graduation average $49,367 per year, $3,848 more than the national average, with 95% of alumni employed one year after graduation.
According to Niche’s student polls on Nicholls:
- 97% of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation
- 84% of students agree that their professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes
- 79% of students agree it is easy to get into the classes they want
- 72% of students highly rate the athletics/recreation facilities
- 72% of students highly rate the dining facilities
- 61% of students highly rate the performing arts facilities
In addition, Nicholls ranks No. 3 for Safest College Campuses in Louisiana among public and private universities. This reflects the safe and healthy environment Nicholls provides to its students. According to Niche’s Q&A’s peer-to-peer insights, Nicholls has a strong sense of community with a welcoming atmosphere and campus culture that fosters belonging and support. Nicholls students feel safe walking around campus at all hours, thanks to the university’s responsive campus police presence and safety escort services at night.
Nicholls also ranks at No. 17 in Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America, reflecting the high-quality education at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, and No. 101 in Best College Food in America, highlighting the university’s efforts to ensure affordable meal plans that include healthy, tasty foods aligned with students’ dietary preferences.
On Niche’s Q&A’s peer-to-peer insights, many noted the well-kept campus grounds providing quiet places to study and relax and easy access to classes, resources and food, making the campus feel like a home-away-from-home. Nicholls professors are described for their understanding and willingness to respond quickly and provide extra help with a commitment to student success.
Some of the most popular majors ranked were liberal arts and humanities, nursing, health service preparatory studies and business, with the university offering seven online bachelor’s programs and two online associate programs.
To learn more about Nicholls, visit www.nicholls.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 20, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu